On Disney World anniversary, 50-year cast member still feels the magic | Commentary

[Disney4me]

A Disney cast member who was a high-school volunteer on opening day recalls her journey and the reasons she still loves coming to work 50 years later.

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Pam Nelson, third from left, was honored during Disney World's 10th anniversary in 1981. (Courtesy photo)

 

I grew up in Central Florida in the 1960s and went to Colonial High School. Back then, Orlando was not much more than a bunch of orange groves, and there were only a couple of main roads to get you places — Sand Lake Road was only two lanes and was the most direct 30-minute drive to southwest Orlando.

In 1971, all of this began to change. Little did I know back then the impact that Walt Disney’s dream would eventually have not only on Central Florida, but on my own future and lifelong career.

Pam Nelson, who started at Walt Disney World in 1971, is taking part in the park's 50th anniversary festivities this week. - Original Credit: Courtesy photo (Courtesy photo)

My Disney experience started my senior year in high school, when my principal recommended 10 students to work as volunteers for the grand opening of Magic Kingdom. I was one of the lucky students chosen and spent a memorable time working in the costuming tent, supporting cast members and performers getting ready on that historic day. It was so much fun.

So, when Disney folks returned to the school to offer permanent jobs, I begged my dad for a whole week to let me accept a role. He didn’t want me to work, but I told him I needed money to buy Christmas presents. He agreed to a six-week period through the holidays, and my mom quietly told me that if I ever came home grumpy or tired, I would need to stop working.

Well, I never had a grumpy day, and 50 years later I am still proud to say that I am a Disney cast member. My mom is always happy to tell the story how I got started at Disney.

My first official role was as a hostess at the Diamond Horseshoe in Frontierland. I’ve had so many wonderful jobs over the years where I’ve met fabulous cast members and guests. I worked in transportation and at favorite attractions like Haunted Mansion, the Hall of Presidents and Country Bear Jamboree. I even made history as the first female lead at the Davy Crockett canoes!

Later in my career, I worked at Casting, helping to hire future cast members for Magic Kingdom and for the grand opening of Epcot. I spent time working in the VIP lounge at Spaceship Earth and transitioned into a procurement role for media productions prior to the opening of Disney-MGM Studios (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios).

For the past 25 years, I’ve worked with the Disney Event Group, helping bring magical meetings, weddings, and events to life for companies and guests. An extra special time was when my daughter joined the department for a few years. Being able to share those special magic memories together is something we both will cherish forever.

What has kept me here all these years are the cast members and close friends I’ve made who will be with me forever. We have a special bond, having grown up together through all of the wonderful changes at Walt Disney World.

And the happiness and joy I see when I’m working with guests is contagious, because Disney is all about creating magic. Knowing our team can create anything a guest can dream up, and exceed expectations on all levels, is an incredible feeling. It’s part of our Disney DNA.

The rewarding feeling from every magical moment that leaves this place — no matter how big or small — cannot be described, nor does it ever fade. I’ve never had a role at Disney I didn’t like. I truly love the Disney magic, and I continue to believe in it even after all of these years.

I’ve never looked for another role at Disney, but have had many opportunities to expand my career over the years. I have had people ask me 1,000 times, “Where do you work?” And when I tell them Disney they always say, “I should have known that by your smile.” I have always been proud to say I work at Disney, and I couldn’t imagine it any other way.

Even after 50 years, Walt Disney World continues grow and inspire generations of guests and cast members. I’m so proud to have been a part of that magical journey.

Pam Nelson works for Disney Event Group and has worked at Walt Disney World since its opening day in 1971.