Reservations have been made and you’re counting the days to your Disney trip! But, is there a way to make this vacation even better?
The 75,000 employees of Disney World, called Cast Members, spend their time serving others but have no one to serve them.
#LoveOnStage makes it easy for you to show acts of love, service, and kindness without interfering or changing your visit in any way.
WHO IS IT FOR?
If you're honeymooning at Disney World, you can share your love and celebration with those who are serving you!
We make #LoveOnStage so simple, even preschoolers can participate. It's made for the whole family.
If you're never experienced the hospitality of Disney Cast Members, you'll be blown away!
The magic of Disney is enjoyed by park guests of ALL ages. #LoveOnStage deepens your experience.
If you come every weekend or a few times a year, help us show acts of kindness to Cast Members.
Because connections are on behalf of The Gathering INC, you don't have be local to help a local organization.
#LoveOnStage is for any park guest! Your involvement is the ONLY way we can reach the 75,000 Cast Members who work at the Disney parks.
No matter your age, group size, or how long you’ll be visiting. We’d love to have you come along.
The idea of serving the person who is paid to serve others is radical, but Christ-like.
WHAT DO I DO?
We are unique and created by God for a purpose. All Cast Members have name tags, making it easy to call them by their name. Show a smile, a friendly face, and speak to them as someone that matters. It’s an easy way to show the love of Jesus.
Most park guests are taking pictures of themselves, characters, and attractions. Asking for a photo with a Cast Member who typically doesn’t get asked can show them that they are valuable. Ideas include capturing the moment with housekeepers, custodial, merchandise hosts/hostesses, and servers at restaurants.
Giving a pre-printed or homemade thank you card is a fast way to say, “We see you! We appreciate you! You matter!” Our F.L.A.S.H. model is simple to follow and makes a big difference in their day. (We’ll teach it to you when you register your trip!)
Commemorate your trip to Disney with a free Celebration Button as they are great conversation starters! Participating in other activities, like Epcot’s Kidcot, give opportunities to make talking with Cast Members part of your park experience.
Disney trains and encourages their Cast Members to be relational. If you’re waiting in line, eating a meal, or even asking for directions, have a genuine and meaningful conversation about where they are from, if they are new, and even the weather!
Disney Pin Trading is an exciting, interactive experience where guests can trade pins with Cast Members and other guests. (And, you don’t have to have any pins to participate! Cast Members are happy to just show the pins they have, just ask!)
We make it easy to show the love of Jesus to the 75,000 people who work at Disney World.
When you register your trip with #LoveOnStage we provide you with everything you need:
It might sound too easy but by being friendly to Cast Members and saying thank you for the work they do is one of the simpliest ways to show kindness.
Every Cast Member wears a name tag with their name and hometown on it. It’s easy to strike up a conversation about where people grew up. Also, Cast Members are more receptive to kids, especially kids who are willing to start and carry on a conversation.
Disney employs some amazingly kind Cast Members and the parks are fun for adults too. No matter what your age, there’s always a way for adults to interact with Cast Members, especially through learning. Cast Members are hired from around the globe to share their cultures with guests.
Handwritten notes are some of the most appreciated gifts received by Cast Members. Also, pre-packaged candies, hand drawn characters and hand-crafted gifts are always a big hit too. The more personal your “thank you” can be, the better it will be received. Using names and customizing thank you cards to certain parks or times of the year (holidays, festivals, etc.) communicates that you had the CM in mind when you were planning your visit. Please note, Cast Members are not allowed to receive monetary gifts outside of tipped positions.
Simple questions to ask a cast Member might include asking, “Where are you from originally?” “How did you decide to work for Disney?” “What do you miss most about home?” “What is your favorite park or attraction?” or simple statements like these, “Thank you for making our day magical!” “Thank you for all that you do” and “I know you work really hard and I just wanted to say thank you.”
Look for the overlooked Cast Member’s – janitorial, quick food/outdoor food service, resort CMS, etc. – and try to engage with them by name and by thanking them for their specific contribution to making magic happen.
If your kids are reluctant to participate, make a game out of it. See who can hand out the most cards to the most CMS or see who can remember the most names of CMs throughout the day.
Engaging with CMs has made a big difference in the way children communicate with adults – eye contact, fact finding questions (name, where you are from etc), and a general awareness of all that it takes to keep the parks and resorts running.
Yes, this is a wonderful way to capture a memory and show added appreciation to Cast Members.
Holidays are great opportunities to engage Cast Members, as they are working harder than usual and often do not get recognized for working on a holiday by any guests. Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day are our absolute favorite times to hand out thank you cards because everyone is so engaged!
Be sure that you are not impacting the operation or something safety related. It is always best to avoid controversial or sensitive subjects with Cast Members. Remember, you are there to be an encouragement and blessing to those you chat with.
Whenever you use #LoveOnStage and post your interactions on social media that is a great first step. You can also order specially designed stickers to affix to your hand-crafted gifts and notes that has a QR Code linking back to our ministry webpage.
One of the best things you can do is tell others coming to Disney about #LoveOnStage. You can continue to follow us on social media, join our prayer team or receive monthly newsletters from The Gathering INC.
Let us know when you, your family, or your group is coming to Disney World.
While you’re here, create connections with Cast Members. So simple, it won’t interfere with your vacation.
We tie your act of love, service, or kindness back to The Gathering. We keep building relationships with the Cast Members you meet.
Live out your faith on vacation OR at home! Join our email list and get the latest news, tips, and opportunities to serve the Cast Members who work at Disney World.
©2021 The Gathering INC. All Rights Reserved.
PO BOX 121155, Clermont FL 34711
The Gathering INC is not affiliated with The Walt Disney Company or any of its subsidiaries.
