David Theus

You might be asking yourself, who are these people? Better yet, what makes them so special that they are asked to be the Grand Marshall’s in Disney’s MGM Studios parade. Knowing the Disney mission and having a willingness to play the system is the answer. Now more than ever, during Walt Disney World’s “Year of a Million Wishes” is the time to start looking for these types of opportunities.

First things first, I in no way wish to portray these tips I am about to share with you as methods in which to mislead WDW management or to take advantage in any way of their good will towards their guests. It just comes down to knowing their mission and helping them realize it with your family.

Within the last year WDW has implemented a new guest recognition program that recognizes guests that are at the park for their first time visit and those who are celebrating a birthday. Upon arriving at any of the parks, resorts, or on property accommodations let somebody know if this particular visit is your first time to Disney or if someone in your party is celebrating a birthday, tell them.

After notifying the personnel you are speaking with, they in turn will provide you with a rather large button that proudly displays the message that it is your first time to the parks or that it is in deed your birthday. The other side of this equation is that you have to be willing to wear this button at all times while in the parks and while on any part of the park premises, I’ll explain.

Disney management deserves a hats off round of applause for this great idea, not only is the idea brilliant in increasing the customer’s satisfaction level while visiting the park, but they also went one step further. They have empowered front line personnel to make split second decisions without having to discuss with a supervisor, opportunities to improve the experience of a particular guest with one of these buttons on.

What do I mean by that? These buttons allow all park personnel from the youngest cast member sweeping main street to an area supervisor to make an on the fly decision to somehow improve your visit or experience while on the property. This could mean extending a “fast pass” to one of your favorite rides; or it could be going the extra step to see that you get a personal moment with your favorite character. If you are in the right place at the right time, it may even mean being invited to be the Grand Marshall of one of the several parades taking place all over the parks.

The key to your success in gaining this extra little slice of Disney Magic is to first identify yourself as one of these categories and be willing to proudly wear this badge everywhere. Secondly, you must be willing to be open to conversation with Disney cast members. Do not be shy about letting somebody know that you have a birthday celebration in your group, or some one visiting for the very first time.

Don’t be afraid to let somebody know what your wish is, who knows, it just might happen.