What was your job/role at Disneyland Paris (DLP)?
I worked at Disneyland Paris as a sales assistant.
How long did you work at DLP?
So far, I have worked four times at DLP: at Town Square Photography (2 weeks) ; Emporium (2 months and later, 2 weeks) ; Buzz Lightyear Photography/Constellation (2 weeks). Actually, I am used to working there during French school holidays.
How did you get your job at DLP?
I first applied on the website disneylandparis-casting for a recruitment session in Strasbourg, a French city located in the east of the country. I was then invited to attend the event and meet a recruiter. A few days after the interview, Disney called me back to offer me a contract for Easter and summer holidays.
Describe a “typical” day for you as a Cast Member at DLP
Once arrived at the Disney Village, I would get to the backstage and head for the Costuming Department or directly for my locker in order to put on my costume. Then, I would go to my location and start my shift. At Emporium, I would even have a briefing with my team leaders and workmates in order to get a little recap about the turnover of the day before and our objectives for the current day. I would have my own activity table, that is to say determined hours to be at the checkout and determined hours to display the merchandise.
What did you enjoy the most about your job?
As a sales assistant, I got the opportunity to talk with a lot of guests coming from all over the world. It really is a rewarding job as much on the personal as on the professional level. I learned a lot about human relationships and foreign cultures, including about myself. So, yes, I would say social interactions with guests were the most enjoyable part of my job.
What did you enjoy the least about your job?
Sometimes, guests can be rude and disrespectful. I do not think they do it on purpose but some of them do not realize that behind the magic, there are people working very hard to make DLP a better place. When you are tidying up a shelf and someone comes and makes a mess in front of you, it can be really annoying, especially when that person is forty years old! But it is part of the job.
When you were not working did you spend time in the Disneyland Parks? If not what did you like to do to relax in your spare time?
When I was off, I used to spend a lot of time in the parks, with friends or even alone. As a Cast Member, you have free entries so you’d better make the most of it! But sometimes, I was really tired (I used to finish work at 2 a.m. when I was at Emporium) and needed to get some rest.
What is the best tip you could give us when visiting DLP?
When I was working at Emporium, I noticed that people tend to go shopping just after the parade. It is a very bad idea since shops on Main Street are very crowded at that time of the day. If you want to take your time, have a closer look at the products without being pushed or disturbed, do your shopping in the morning or 20 minutes after Disney Dreams. Few people know that most of the shops on Main Street close one hour after the official closing hour.
What has been your favourite moment as a Cast Member?
I have plenty of very good memories as a guest of course but especially, as a Cast Member. One day, at Buzz Light Year Photography, I was showing to a Spanish family the picture that had been taken of them during the ride. The father told me that his son wanted to give me a kiss and that’s what the little boy did! They were so cute and I was very pleased! These are memories that, I hope, will last forever.
What is your favourite attraction at DLP and why?
Well, it is pretty difficult to make a choice but I would say Phantom Manor. I love the story of the Ravenswood and especially, the music! My favourite scene during the ride is the ballroom. Everytime, I hope there will be an interruption so I can enjoy and admire every detail and every character of that particular scene.
Do you have any special memorabilia related to DLP?
My mother bought me for Christmas the rare book ‘Disneyland Paris: from sketch to reality’. I have not read it yet, just flipped through it but it looks quite interesting. In the years to come, I would love to buy a snowglobe at Harrington’s!
Do you have any secrets/rare info you are able to share about DLP?
There are plenty of secrets I cannot reveal to you in order to preserve the magic. All I can say is that there is, in the backstage, a kind of small town for Cast Members with its shops, restaurants, buildings and even, bus lines!
What is your favourite time of year at DLP and why?
When I was a child, my parents always took me to DLP during summer holidays. It has remained my favourite time of the year since my birthday is the 25th of July and I think you can better enjoy your stay when the weather is good.
Although I love all the decorations, I think the park is way too crowded during the Xmas season, at least during the two last weeks of the year. On the other hand, I have never been to DLP during the Halloween season so I cannot really compare… but it is something I need to plan for this year!
Did you ever dream of working as a cast member at DLP before you go the role?
I do not remember exactly when my desire to work for Disneyland Paris appeared but I think I was 15 or 16. I remember I was waiting at the Fantasyland (or perhaps Main Street) train station and my mother and I asked the Cast Member about how she had got her job.
Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions!
Your very welcome.
