"The Casting Game." Chapter 10.

In Disney casting (as in life) we can be certain of it's predictable unpredictability. You're first choice might be "Character Performer". You did quite well in auditions and you're just the right height to be *Goofy's best friend*. This is cast member speak for wearing Goofy's costume and playing him in parades, meet & greets, and shows. It keeps the magic in tact for youngsters who maybe listening. One day you read an email that says you were chosen for a role in Entertainment... but as a Character Attendant. For those of you out there who've been offered this job, it means you will be the one escorting Disney characters such as Woody, Stich, Cinderella, or even Mickey himself. Your job will be to speak for those who can't and keep the lines moving at these meet & greets. Where ever there's a Disney character, you'll be right there along side them.

Was it the role you wanted? No. But it's a valuable service to our guests that every one appreciates. I've known many people who've complained about their role as a character performer day in day out. It's a tough job. But it goes to show that nothing is ideal, there's always a catch. Once the role has been cast you can accept or decline their offer, but really there's not much to be done about it. I've spoken with casting directors, both on the phone and in person and all of them tell me the same thing. It's really not up to them. It depends on where the company needs you most. And the process by which the company selects you to fill a certain role is almost completely uncertain. So far, everyone has told me that a computer files our names into a list based on the time of our application and will randomly place us instead of having someone at a computer doing the work. Part of the experience when you first arrive will be to visit the casting office with a bus load of other students. It's a very decorative building adjacent to Downtown Disney with murals, and a room with pillars and gold statues inside of your favorite scenes involving your favorite cartoons and films. Accross the street is "Team Disney" where the CEO's and big time executives of the whole company meet at their Florida base. Once you enter the casting office, there will be a person at a computer to hand you an assignment sheet. This person can also tell you what specific area you'll be working in but maybe not a specific ride, restaraunt, or entertainment location. As an attractions cast member, all they could tell me was Magic Kingdom, Adventureland/Liberty Square which could mean 8 different rides. Quite a nail biter for the next day or two with a sleepless night in between. While at casting, you'll be approved for everything from payment methods to housing contracts. They'll also be the ones to tell you if something about you doesn't quite match with Disney Look guidelines. You'll need to pass this Disney Look inspection or you wont be approved for employment. They may send you to your apartment and have you come back the next day. Although you should probably be well aware of what the standards would be.

So make it your own and keep up the good work until your final day. When all is said and done, Disney will give you a rehire status to reward your successful completion. I myself was hired recently because "The Walt Disney Company" really stuck out on my resume. My intention is not to ruin the magic for my dear readers, it's merely to enlighten your Disney soaked brains. Let's face it, by taking on your new role as a cast member, you'll be fully exposed to what goes on *behind the scenes*/behind the magic. I was there too. No matter what I've seen (and I've seen a LOT), the magic was never completely gone.