Cast Members are the heart of Disney. Now, just in time for the 50th Anniversary, they will receive a magical makeover to their costumes.
50 Years of History
Disney World’s 50th celebrations start on October 1, 2021 and continues for 18 months. The special events and entertainment runs until the spring of 2023.
On October 1, 1971 Disney World thrilled guests with its amazing theme park. While some operating procedures received updates, many remain largely the same. Like today, guests pay to park at the Transportation and Ticket Center. Then, they take the monorail or ferry boat to The Most Magical Place on Earth.
Also, while the layout of the park largely stayed the same (with expansions), the attractions since that time have changed tremendously. Historically, guests purchased varying categories of tickets. These ticket tiers allowed guests access to certain attractions. Check out changes to the Magic Kingdom through the years HERE.
Cast Members are the Heart of Disney
Disney Cast Members truly go above and beyond to make each day magical at the Disney Parks. In addition, a major part of guests magical experiences begin with the royal treatment Cast Members deliver to guests. To discover easy ways to thank a Cast Member, read here.
Now, Disney World Cast Members all receive a brand new name tag for the 50th Celebration to honor their service and dedication. Check out just what’s involved in making this happen. These name tags will be proudly displayed at the end of September.
The transformation of these new name tags took more than a little pixie dust. Brett Owens, graphic designer with Disney Live Entertainment, and a team of fellow designers worked diligently to create this unique design.
Huge Project
Making new name tags for every cast member at Walt Disney World is a huge undertaking. For the celebration, 60,000 Cast Members receive new badges. These festive name tags commemorate the 50th anniversary of the opening of Magic Kingdom. This process is completed by a combination of laser-powered engraving machine and human hands.
THE NEW NAME TAGS WERE DESIGNED TO BRING SOME ADDITIONAL SHIMMER TO OUR CAST MEMBERS PROVIDING COUNTLESS MEMORIES FOR GUESTS.
Jeff Vahle
Making Name Tags
First, the generic name tags are preprinted with WDW’s 50th-anniversary logo at the top. Then, at the bottom, look for “The most magical place on earth.”. Then, a “holographic gold foil” outlines the oval piece. Check out the sneak peek of this new design here. The blank name tags go into trays with molded spots the same shape and size as the badges.
Two trays are placed carefully into the engraving machines to perfectly center each name tag. Next, using a computer spreadsheet, Cast Members’ names and hometown print. A Cast Member closes the engraver’s lid and starts the program to work its “magic”.
Completing the Name Tags
It takes about 15 minutes to complete the engraving for 120 badges. To make 60,000 name tags takes some time and planning! The badges receive a double-check against the computer list and inspected to ensure quality tags. Afterwards, pins are attached to the backs. Finally, the finished products go into individual plastic bags. Badges are sorted by departments and distributed by interoffice mail.
Name Tag Design
As with other Disney World 50th decorations, pastels dominate the color scheme. The base layer of the new tags is light, a pale blue, a pale pink. It’s cool that the splashes of color are unique from badge to badge.
I think one of the coolest things about this name tag is not every name tag is the same.
Maria Ramirez, inventory manager
Cast Members Name Tags Location
Today, the proper way for cast members to wear their name tags is on the left side. However, in the 1970s, Cast Members wore them all over the place. Then, Disney decided it needed to be prominently displayed near your face and make you approachable to guests.
Source: Orlando Sentinel
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