#castconnections

[thekimmiandjackieshow]

The Road to Cast Connections.

Eduardo, Jordan, and I had just finished our breakfast at Trail’s End and were planning on heading over to Animal Kingdom next. Having very loose plans for the day, we also decided to go to Cast Connections, a Cast Member shop for discounted Disney merchandise on our way. I had heard that Cast Connections was fairly close to Animal Kingdom, but it was more of an adventure than we could’ve anticipated.  **Directions to Cast Connections Included Below in Bold**

I had never been to Cast Connections before. It was on my list of things to do but always seemed out of the way. I was always hearing about how it was difficult to get to and being a notoriously anxious driver, that was off putting for me. The CP Facebook pages were always filled with questions on how to get to Cast Connections, and the trek always seemed like too much. With no real plans ahead though, the group and I decided to go for it. 

Knowing it was close to Animal Kingdom, we headed that way. As we got closer to Coronado Springs, Eduardo looked up the address on Google Maps and off we went. My first mistake was that I didn’t pull over and look at the list of directions, otherwise I may have been more clued in to the adventure ahead.

We turned on to Western Way. So far, so good. I had remembered that being part of the instructions. We kept driving. As we went, I told Eduardo that it seemed a little far off the beaten path. Sure enough, we drove under one of the famous Walt Disney World signs that indicates you’re on property. At that point I was certain I had driven under every single one. Eduardo insisted we were on the right path and that we would be there soon. We drove around blank fields, down backroads that had zero cars on it. There wasn’t even enough traffic for the city to bother putting in traffic signals. We never hit a red light, only a few stop signs, and kept on going. I had no idea where we were but the directions kept putting us closer and closer to our destination. All of a sudden, I started to recognize things. Apartments and the road started to look familiar. 

“Turn right, then your destination will be on the right.” 

There were cars everywhere, trying to turn into a vast parking lot. Off in the distance, a building that looks an awfully lot like the Magic Kingdom costuming building. Then, I see a Transtar bus. Then, Cast Members dressed for shifts in Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and more. 

“We’re at the Magic Cast lot??” 

It turns out that the OLD Cast Connections address was in Windermere, FL, right near Magic Kingdom costuming. Google Maps still has that address on file, so even when the new Cast Connections address was added, the first one that pops up is for the old one. What was obnoxious about this was that we had just come from Fort Wilderness (near to Magic Kingdom), had driven all the way to Animal Kingdom, and then basically drove right back through some deserted plains.

While the route itself was only around 20 minutes, it felt so much longer because we drove right off property and down a stretch of road that had nothing to it. It was sort of creepy.

We didn’t want to give up yet though. We were determined to get to Cast Connections. With a bit more research, we found the correct address on Recycle Way and headed back towards the newer Cast Connections. 

As we drove past Coronado Springs, our route had us turn onto Western Way. It was the exact same way the previous route had started us, so I was worried. Then it had us make a turn on Bear Island Road and in two more seconds, we were there. During our adventure to the wrong Cast Connections, we completely passed our actual destination. We actually drove right past Bear Island Road, oblivious to the fact that the new Cast Connections was hiding back there.

So if you’re curious, to get from CP housing to the new Cast Connections (the second address listed on Google Maps when you type “Cast Connections” directly into the search bar), drive down Osceola Parkway as if you’re going to Animal Kingdom. Then take the exit towards Coronado Springs and Blizzard Beach just before reaching Animal Kingdom (Buena Vista Drive). Drive past Blizzard Beach and take a left on Western Way. If you hit Coronado Springs, you’ve gone too far. Drive down Western Way until you hit Bear Island Road, and make a right. You won’t be allowed to make a left because that is backstage Animal Kingdom. Then make the very first left you can make onto Recycle Way and you’ve made it. The key is to look for the address that has “Recycle Way” in it. If it directs you towards the DAK area, you’re golden. Address is: 2340 Recycle Way, Winter Garden, FL 34787.

When we arrived at Cast Connections, we hoped the trek was worth it. For my friends who hadn’t yet visited the liquidation stores, they were able to get some cheap Disneyland 60th Anniversary merchandise. Most of what was available looked similar to the shops off property at the outlet malls. Back behind it all was Mickey’s Treasures, so we went back to take a peek. We showed our ID’s and headed inside the small room decorated with Disney art work. A basket of ears in a corner caught my eye and I started to flip through them. Some of them had full embroidered names on them, others had a few letters before the embroidery got messed up, and some had broken straps. I found a pair of BB8 ears, ears that my girlfriend was eying the last time she visited, that was perfect except for a broken strap. We always use clips to wear our ears instead of the straps, so it didn’t bother me at all. I double checked the price because it seemed too good to be true... 50 cents. Sold.

Some items seemed far too broken to be repaired, but had somehow ended up on the shelves of Cast Connections anyway. Other items didn’t seem broken at all and yet were still given a huge discount. I found a backpack that had almost nothing wrong with it, but it was marked down from $50 to $10. It was a backpack I had been eying in my own shop for a while, so I couldn’t pass it up.

A few good finds later, we decided to head off to Animal Kingdom. It was the only time I ever visited Cast Connections, despite being so close to my work location. Part of it was knowing I didn’t really need more Disney merchandise but the biggest part of it was that I had so many other things to do in just a few short weeks. I was glad, though, that I got to check off another thing from my bucket list. 

[villiansarepeopletoo]

To Infinity and Beyond: What to Expect in Toy Story Land

As a cast member, one of the best things about constantly being surrounded by Disney is knowing what’s real and what’s rumor. It was an awesome feeling scrolling through Facebook and seeing all these crazy rumors about what was happening in Disney World and knowing they weren't true (but sometimes wishing they were). I loved being in the know, and just as my program was ending, Toy Story Land was just beginning.

I moved back home the week Toy story Land opened, so I really wish I could've stayed just to go on opening day…But ill make it back down there soon to see what it’s all about. In the mean time I’ll live vicariously through all my friends that are still Making Magic. Through the help of Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook and all these beautiful tools to post everything they are doing, my friends have kept me up to speed on how totally immersive Toy Story Land is, and it is definitely next on my to do list. I still think Andy’s Lunchbox was a lame idea and Disney World is more than deserving of our own Pizza Planet…But its fine. I’m not bitter.

From what I’ve seen and heard, Toy Story Land’s ultimate success has been in the atmosphere. The incredible, larger than life characters that are scattered throughout “Andy’s Backyard” are the perfect size to make everyone feel like they’re a toy.

“Toy Story Land…what an immersive area. From the moment you walk in you are treated like a toy! Your imagination gets to go places no where else in the parks takes you! Also, the Slinky Dog roller coaster is just enough more than a family coaster to keep the adults wanting more and just enough not to scare the lil ones. Such a perfect ride. My only negative would be that the “land” itself wasn’t as big as I had imagined it. It feels very small, and I assumed with me being a “toy” in a  backyard, that it would feel huge!” -Victor, Server at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

“I think it perfectly captured the essence of being shrunken down to toy size right down to the benches in the land. The benches made of popsicle sticks that still had colorful stains on them were my absolute favorite. It definitely met my expectations and slinky dog dash exceeded them! It’s a fun ride for the entire family and has children feeling like they’re on an exciting thrill ride without it being too overwhelming. I think it’s 100% worth visiting!” -Carlee, QSFB at Epcot’s World Showcase

Disney thinks of everything, I know my opinion is biased but...it’s true. Before I started my program, I hadn’t been to Disney in years. A lot had changed by the time I earned my ears and took my first trip through the parks. One of the biggest changes I noticed were the queues. Imagineers have gone out of their way to make almost every second of waiting in line both interactive and entertaining, and apparently it’s no different with the new attractions in Toy Story Land.

“One of the things I loved most about Toy Story Mania wasn't the ride itself but the queue. I always loved walking into Andy's room and with the size proportions actually getting the chance to feel like a toy. It was absolutely amazing getting to walk into Andy's Backyard and getting that same feeling/perspective in an even larger sense with such a big area. I also thought the queue for slinky dog did an awesome job of setting up the Story for the attraction with Andy's toy roller coaster building kit and walking through that. The ride itself had several surprises and I especially enjoyed the huge singing Wheezy animatronics at the end.” -Ron Server, at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

I’ve talked to so many people since the new attractions opened and there’s been a mixed bag of reactions. My last week in Florida, Disney was hosting a random selection of cast members to be chosen to test ride Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers. Everyone was waiting for the email with their date and time and people were begging for shift swaps to go to opening day. That was a really cool perk for cast members, but everyone had different reviews about the rides. But none were as ready for it as my friend Kristin and especially Eric, who are both College Program employees. They both definitely went in with high expectations.

“Slinky dog dash to me is the cousin of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Its fun and at certain points, faster than expected. It has a lot going for it for the family perspective, but alien swirling saucers is clearly meant for the little toys. While the theme is enjoyable, alien swirling saucer needs a little more for the big kids. While it’s true that toy story land is family friendly to include younger kids in mind since the film is geared towards them, all the kids that originally watched the first toy story are just like Andy in the third film, in their 20s. It would’ve been nice to have a few more young at heart but “grown up” rides or other qualities to go off of. Given that, toy story is a fun spot to hit, but once you do it the first time, the second and third will feel just like another amazingly well themed area that Disney has pulled off but won’t be as busy as some of the other rides, like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, located at Hollywood Studios.” -Kristin, Bus Greeter

“While the new rides don’t deliver top notch thrills like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror, they are a genuinely fun pair of rides.

The thing that impressed me most about the land is definitely the theme inside of the land. The story behind toy story land is that you’re being shrunk down to the size of a toy in Andy’s backyard and it does truly feel like you are the size of a toy. Between the giant wooden fence and the massive footprints on the ground from Andy’s shoe, it is an extremely immersive area of the park. And Disney didn’t skip on the small details either whether it be the fun Easter eggs you can try to find throughout the land or the fact that the railings near alien swirling saucers spell out their famous “Oooooh”

Toy story land in my opinion lives up to the hype and it adds in a new element to a park that was desperate for a jolt of new energy. I think this land will be warmly welcomed by fans of Disney and toy story and it is the perfect thing to hold crowds over until the real star of the future for Hollywood Studios, Star Wars: galaxy’s edge, opens late next year.” -Eric, Seater at the Sci-Fi Dine in Theater

The question I asked all these Cast Members was, “Is it worth it?” Is it worth the two and three hour lines, is it worth working through the masses of people? I think the general consensus was yes. It completely lives up to the hype. The expectations of high speed crazy rides in Disney World will always be let down. Disney targets “Safe-D Begins With Me” and entertainment for children. Are you really surprised the rides aren’t crazy? But their ultimate goal of making every guest feel completely transported into the world of Woody and Buzz was met with flying colors. And Hollywood Studios needed this more than any other area of Walt Disney World.

[mikeroll]

Scored these beauties at the Cast Connections store. Gonna draw up some fun stuff to fill them with! #frames #art #disney #thrift #waltdisneyworld #castconnections (at Four Corners, Florida)

[shivam11110000]

Onida 124.46 cm (50 Inches) 4K UHD LED Smart TV 50UIB (Black)

Onida 124.46 cm (50 Inches) 4K UHD LED Smart TV 50UIB (Black)

Price: (as of – Details) Onida 124.46 cm (50 inches) 50UIB 4K UHD LED Smart TV (Black) Display: 4K UHDSmart TV Features: Built-in WiFi | Air Mouse | Mira CastConnectivity: 3 HDMI ports to connect set top box, Blu Ray players, gaming console | 2 USB ports to connect hard drives and other USB devices | 1 VGA port to connect the laptopsSound : 200 Watts OutputInstallation: For installation/wall…

[electronics-store]

Onida 124.46 cm (50 Inches) 4K UHD LED Smart TV 50UIB (Black)

Onida 124.46 cm (50 Inches) 4K UHD LED Smart TV 50UIB (Black)

Price: (as of – Details) Onida 124.46 cm (50 inches) 50UIB 4K UHD LED Smart TV (Black) Display: 4K UHDSmart TV Features: Built-in WiFi | Air Mouse | Mira CastConnectivity: 3 HDMI ports to connect set top box, Blu Ray players, gaming console | 2 USB ports to connect hard drives and other USB devices | 1 VGA port to connect the laptopsSound : 200 Watts OutputInstallation: For installation/wall…

[topherdreams]

The countdown has begun! ☠️👻🎃🌑🦇 Vic and I scored this spooky gem from #CastConnection today! (at ZEN Luxury Living)

[pixiedustsavingsblog]

Cast Connections haul! Perks of being a wife of a CM. Love the Sully, Belle, and Duffy Hair accessories 💕 #castconnections #duffybear #disneypins #disneylife #socute https://ift.tt/2M3RCgm

[gianfootography]

Broke on #ForceFriday I had #ThrawnThursday. W/ discount mug at #CastConnection. #MTFBWY #StarWars #Trawn #ForestMoonofEndorMug #ForestMoonofEndor #ForceGhost #AnakinSkywalker #ObiWanKenobi #ForceFriday2 — view on Instagram http://ift.tt/2xKnkYK

[countessborel]

This is the other Oswald much I bought at #castconnections last week. I like Oswald too much. #oswald #oswaldtheluckyrabbit #disney #waltdisneyworld

[thekimmiandjackieshow]

Cast Member Shopping

Being a Cast Member at Walt Disney World comes with a list of enticing perks, giving it the feel of an exclusive Disney club. With free entry into the parks, guest passes for family and friends, special events, and more, it’s easy to see why Disney fans want to become Cast Members. One of my favorite Cast Member perks at Disneyland were the exclusive shops located just off property. It turns out that the shops work a little differently between the two parks, so I was excited to check out the other side of things. 

This may have changed since Disneyland recently moved their Cast Member stores, but back around 2011-2015, this was the breakdown.

Team Disney was located just off property and shared a building with Company D. Both required a present Cast Member with the group in order to enter. On the right sat Team Disney, a Cast Member exclusive shop. Here they sold Cast merchandise at fairly standard Disney prices, as well as discounted tickets to the parks and other local spots. T-shirts boasting Cast Member pride on it, special Cast Exclusive Limited Edition pins, lanyards, water bottles, art work, etc., were all available for Cast to purchase at Team Disney.

On the other side of that building was Company D. Here, Cast Members could bring guests with them where they could buy discounted Disney merchandise. It was usually all things that were sold within the parks for a period of time and either was an excess of stock or was removed to make room for new merchandise. In some instances, it was things that were slightly damaged and therefore severely discounted for those willing to deal with the damage. Mickey hats, pins, clothing, lanyards, ornaments, picture frames, etc., filled the shelves, all at lower prices than guests could find in the parks. Company D continued on to a warehouse section in the back. But in the back left corner sat a Cast Member only area. 

Property Control was a gated off section that required a valid Cast ID for entry. Unlike Team Disney, where non-Cast Members could enter but weren’t allowed to purchase anything, Property Control was only accessible to current Cast Members. Inside was an odd assortment of incredibly discounted used items, typically things that were used in the parks or behind the scenes. In one section, office supplies that were no longer needed were sold for 25 cents a piece. Everything from office chairs to reams of paper were marked down. In another section, things actually used within the parks were for sale. Plates from the Disney Cruise Lines were available for $1 a piece. Pins that were given to DVC members upon checkin were sold for $25 cents. Marble tables and chairs from Ariel’s Grotto were being sold for just a little over $100. Costume pieces like jackets, non-slip shoes, and full on costumes that had just been replaced were put at prices lower than $10. The fronts of Quick Service carts (like the decorative piece that slides into the front of the cart) were also being sold for $1-$5. Let me tell you, I’ve struck absolute gold there before and I always imagined that if I stayed a Cast Member in the area, my house would be filled with subtle Disney things.

Knowing how amazing the Cast Member stores were at Disneyland, I was excited to check out Walt Disney World’s selection. Come to find out, things have the same names but different meanings at Walt Disney World.

Walt Disney World has several different Cast-only stores available as well. The first if the very popular “Cast Connections”. Cast Connections is very similar to the two liquidation stores open to the public that are just off property at the two outlet malls. In fact, no Cast ID is technically required to enter the store. One will be needed to check out, but walking through requires no ID. The merchandise sold is equivalent to Disneyland’s “Company D” without the damaged items seeing as damaged merchandise can ruin the magic for guests that are visiting with Cast Members. Guests of Cast Members can purchase merchandise here but Cast Members do get an additional percentage off if they purchase with their funds instead.

In the same building as Cast Connections but in the back is WDW’s Property Control, more recently known as Mickey’s Treasures. A valid Cast ID is required to enter the area, which is really just a small room off the back of Cast Connections. Here is where Cast can find damaged merchandise for miraculously low prices. From hats that were embroidered and never picked up to Mickey Mouse statues with missing noses, merchandise can be purchased here for as low as 50 cents. Now you may be thinking, “Why would I want a Mickey Mouse without a nose?”. It’s all personal preference. Some people find holes in backpacks super easy fixes, others would never spend money on an already worn down backpack. I once found a pair of BB8 Mickey Ears for 50 cents and the only thing wrong with it was that it had a broken strap. 

The only disappointment I had in Mickey’s Treasures was that it had far less to choose from than Disneyland’s Property Control, and it offered way less in-park leftovers. In fact, on my adventure there, I didn’t find anything that had once been used in a park. It was all just an odd assortment of broken merchandise for Cast only.

The third and arguably most popular Cast shop destination in Walt Disney World is Company D. Not to be confused with Disneyland’s Company D that is open to the public (so long as the public is accompanied with a Cast Member) and sells off-season merchandise for discounted prices. WDW’s Company D is similar to Disneyland’s Team Disney, where they sell Cast branded merchandise. Pins, lanyards, Cast ID holders, name tag frames, shirts, bumper stickers, etc, are all found at Walt Disney World’s Company D, usually boasting about the life of a Cast Member or CP. Unlike Disneyland’s Team Disney, Walt Disney World’s Company D has several locations. One can be found near Disney University behind Magic Kingdom, while another can be found in backstage EPCOT. There are a few more locations scattered throughout property, but I found myself at the one in Disney University most often. Walt Disney World’s Company D also offers discounted tickets to the parks and special events in case you want to purchase them for friends and family, much like Disneyland’s Team Disney. 

Figuring out all the different places, especially after being used to Disneyland’s took some doing but eventually I figured it out and visited all of them. My trip to Cast Connections was an adventure, but exploring something new in Walt Disney World always is. 

[bubblybubblybubbles]

Did I need these things? No, absolutely not... But I couldn't help myself. #dcpspring2015 #castconnections #grandfloridian #perry

[mikeroll]

Oh no! Darth Vader didn’t survive Thanos! Noooooooooo. Oh, and “spoiler alert!” To those who haven’t seen Infinity War yet... . . . #castconnections #disney #starwars #marvel #thanos #snap #infinitywar (at Cast Connections At Bear Island Lake) https://www.instagram.com/p/BmvtYSOHKqQ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1jy16qworhouu

[iamafadedmoon]

I decided to wear my #mickeymouse ballet flats I got back in May at #castconnections on my last day of work before I head back "home" to Disney World for the second time this year. It would not even be possible without the help of my very close friend @megasaur91 . She helped make it all happen. It makes it even more magical that I get to spend this time in one of my favorite places with her. We are going out with a bang!