Behind the magic: How Disney trains 80,000 cast members

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL — Ryan Pragano isn't a magician, but he may as well be. After all, he works at the Most Magical Place on Earth: Walt Disney World.

"I do enjoy that I am part of the magic," the guest experiences manager told USA TODAY.

Roughly 80,000 cast members work at Disney World, which describes itself as Central Florida’s largest employer.

Each one makes magic in their own way. And while magicians never reveal their secrets, USA TODAY was invited to peek at how they learn the trade in a rare tour of the resort's on-site employee training facility, Disney University.

"We start with Traditions, which is our global orientation program," Anne Myers, executive director, Talent Planning and Learning and Development, said during a high-level media preview. "It really is an opportunity for us to share really the culture and the values that we really focus on here and bring to our guests."

Through a mix of instruction, interactive discussion, and in-field observation at Magic Kingdom, the day-long course introduces new cast members to the legacy they’ve inherited, the shared goal of creating happiness, and Disney’s five keys or principles: safety, courtesy, inclusion, show, and efficiency.

All new…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/travel/