Magical Exhaustion
Note: This blog was written by an anonymous Cast Member who works at Magic Kingdom.
It’s 4 AM.
My alarm goes off. I’ve just had two days off in a row, and I wake up feeling excited and energized to tackle the new workday. I get up, shower, eat breakfast, put on my costume, and head to property.
As I drive under the Walt Disney World gate, I still get a feeling of excitement. It has always been a dream to be a Cast Member, and my job today is to make someone’s day at the Magic Kingdom just a little more special. It’s a job that is easy to do for some, and harder for others. To be honest, some seem to never be happy no matter what you try to do for them.
After hundreds of guests, my bump out comes, and I can go home to see my family.
4 AM again.
Today feels a little different— my feet are a bit sore; I’m not as energized… but I’m still ready to go “make magic.” Today is much like yesterday: some guests are happy, some are mad, and there’s nothing like seeing an unexpecting kid receive a Mickey bar.
I swear I just set my alarm, but it’s 4 AM.
Once again magic awaits, but I’m in the beginning stages of exhaustion. I tell myself that when I get home, I’m going to take some time for myself— stay awake a little bit before bed, watch some TV, read, and have some fun. But once I get home and sit down, guess what? I’m down for the count.
Look who it is! It’s my best friend, 4 AM.
Today I’m hitting that snooze button every possible time, and when I finally manage to make myself get up, I’m fighting myself all the way. When I finally arrive at work, I find the energy deep down to make the magic for guests even though I’m dragging inside. I continually remind myself why I’m there, that I can make a difference for each of the guests in their day and their vacation. When I finally get my bumpout, I drive home and stumble into bed.
4 AM comes again, and since it’s my Friday all I can think about is getting through my 13 hours so I can be off for the next two.
Those days off fly by, and before I know it, I’m back at it the next day. I do this day in and day out because I love what I do… being a part of something that’s bigger than me is incredible. When I encounter some of the guests that are having a hard day, I try to remind myself that while I’m paid to be there 5-6 times a week, they may only have a one week visit in their entire life.
In the middle of the magical exhaustion, remember your dream to work at Walt Disney World… and remember how lucky you really are.