I have wanted to work for Disney for most of my life, in one way or another but when I got older I began to wonder if the novelty of Disney would wear off if I were to work for Disney or at Disney World. It's kind of like... Starbucks. I remember when the closest Starbucks to me was 20 minutes away and going there was an exciting occassion and then *BAM* they were popping up everywhere and so it wasn't so special anymore. I am actually also kind of worried that if I go to Disney World TOO much, I'll get tired of it. Does anyone else have any other thoughts?

I never get tired of Disneyland, and I go 20+ times a year. It's a different experience than Disney World, because I can often go after work and catch a few rides and then head home, but I never get bored. Going that often, it becomes a different experience. No rush needed. People watching for hours. Skipping an E-ticket attraction because the line is too long. Not timing the day to catch a show, but rather happening upon it. I personally love having this kind of experience at the park, and it can only be achieved by going often.

Not to sound trite, but there are two kinds of people who have the doubts you're experiencing. Some people in fact do become disillusioned, burned out by the "magic", and start to see working for Disney as just another job.

But there is another category of folks for whom the pixie dust is simply an integral part of who they are. IMO these people would put Disney-quality effort into any endeavor, but they are lucky enough to work for a company that shares their values. They enjoy, on a daily basis, making other people happy through whatever contribution their position allows. These are the CM's who pick up trash, offer to take photos for other people, and who happily offer to help confused-looking guests even when visiting the parks on their own time. And yes, they do visit the parks on their own time because, far from being bored or burned out, they feel at home there among their friends, the fellow CMs and guests who make it so special.

I think if I was to work for Disney my view of the company and magic would change. But that doesn't mean it would be in a bad way. I love seeing how things run and operate. It would be a whole new experience in itself that I am sure would be enjoyable in a unique way.

I worked for the Disney Store about 10 years ago when it was still owned by Disney. I remember how upset I was after realizing how "un-Disney" it was...or I should say, the people that worked there. Most of the part timers worked there for the love of the company and the retail division as a whole had things in place to make it represent the nature of the company. But every so often you got a manager who was "working retail." After sticking with it for 4 years, it got to be too much.

I did miss it. And NOW - I joined Radio Disney as a cast member last year! Maybe its gaining perspective or getting older (yuck) but it doesn't haunt me the way the store did. Yes, the management is still not perfect (they recently hired a manager that has NEVER been to a Disney park!) but I try to look at my role differently. I realize that in NY some people may never get to a Disney park or have any more experience with the company than being at an event that I'm working. I still get silently frustrated, but I approach events and guest interaction with a renewed sense of dedication. For my own joy and excitement, I try to bring a touch of magic to all our events. Just one CMs opinion...

. . . there is another category of folks for whom the pixie dust is simply an integral part of who they are. IMO these people would put Disney-quality effort into any endeavor, but they are lucky enough to work for a company that shares their values. They enjoy, on a daily basis, making other people happy through whatever contribution their position allows. These are the CM's who pick up trash, offer to take photos for other people, and who happily offer to help confused-looking guests even when visiting the parks on their own time. And yes, they do visit the parks on their own time because, far from being bored or burned out, they feel at home there among their friends, the fellow CMs and guests who make it so special.
Well put, Iceman!
It's like you described me and a few other CMs I knew.

Thanks, jcruise86. I've had quite a number of CM friends over the years and have even been named an "honorary CM" at a couple of locations. I've driven a monorail, mixed music in Mannequins, and even did the spiel at the old "Backstage Magic" in Communicore in EPCOT's early days. I'd like to think I was describing myself up there, even though I've never drawn a paycheck from Disney. At least, not yet... :D