As the first rays of sunlight break through the winter mist at Walt Disney Studios Park, and well before the first guests arrive, the Cast Members are already hard at work bringing the worlds of Pixar to life. From Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin to Cars ROAD TRIP, we meet the people who make your favourite attractions come alive each and every day.
To infinity and beyond
It is still dark backstage in Andy’s garden. It’s time for the first briefing of the day. At Disneyland Paris, the day always begins with this essential exchange between Cast Members and their team leaders. Depending on the opening hours of the five attractions in the zone, the teams take turns in the briefing room to review the operational instructions and objectives for the day.
With the briefing complete, the Cast Members head out into the quiet, still-deserted park. With the catchy melodies from the Toy Story movies echoing through the empty walkways, everyone heads to their stations, equipped with their tools: tablets for managing queues, safety checklists, and, above all, a cheerful spirit.
I got a kink in my slink!
At Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin, Lorane and Benoît are in charge of opening up, with help from Cédric, the team leader on duty this morning. Despite the cold winter weather, procedures continue to ensure that guests staying at Disney Hotels can enjoy ‘Extra Magic Time.’ Before turning on the attraction, Lorane carries out the usual checks: testing the microphones for announcements, checking the barriers in the queue, and testing the many buttons that control the attraction. Meanwhile, Benoît is responsible for checking every security barrier and every vehicle (called a ‘croquette’ – or kibble – in Cast Member jargon!). Fun fact: A special Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin vehicle can accommodate guests with reduced mobility, thanks to a door and transfer system, allowing everyone to enjoy the adventure with the famous slinky dog!
The park gates open for ‘Extra Magic Hours’, and the first guests arrive. For Lorane, the role of attraction operator involves much more than just technical tasks. ‘It’s not just about pressing buttons’, she explains. ‘Human connection lies at the heart of our mission.”
Ka-chow!
A little further on, at Cars ROAD TRIP, we meet Lakhdar, who has been a tram driver since Walt Disney Studios Park opened in 2002! After having driven the trams at Studio Tram Tour, he now drives those on Route 66.
Once the signal has been given by the operators responsible for boarding the guests onto the tram, he checks that the doors are closed, releases the brakes, and sets off on the journey. ‘For the Canyon scene, each tram must be positioned with great precision, confirmed by sensors on the ground,’ he explains.
Did you know that Cast Members can work on multiple attractions? This is the case for David and Anaïs, who can switch from RC Racer to Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop from one day to the next, or even within the same day, to lend a hand to other team members.
A stranger. From the outside. Oooooooooooooooh.
Lorane shares her most memorable moment from the beginning of the year: a snowy day when she volunteered to clear snow from the RC Racer queue – an act deeply appreciated by a guest who was touched by her dedication despite the cold. Words of kindness and encouragement like these inspire Cast Members to give their very best for our guests.
She also remembers a little boy who was too scared to board Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop. Patiently, she found the right words to reassure him. After the ride, he came back to her for a hug, under the grateful gaze of his parents.
That’s the true essence of the job: technical expertise, but above all, human connection. As the park comes to life, the Cast Members at Toy Story Playland and Cars ROAD TRIP continue to create unforgettable memories for you.