The Unsung Magic Makers: A Tribute to Theme Park Cast Members

by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder

Seeing the rave reviews for the performers testing out Universal’s new Epic Universe park sparked something in me. I’ve loved reading all the excitement about the stunt actors, the character interactions, and the way these team members are already bringing the place to life—even before it opens. And it reminded me of something I think we all sometimes forget:

It’s easy to walk into a theme park and get swept up in the rides, the lights, the music, the churros, the fireworks—whatever makes it feel like magic to you. But the real magic? It’s the people.

I’m talking about the cast members. The team members. The performers, operators, food service workers, custodians—everyone who keeps Disney, Universal, Six Flags, and every other park running day in and day out. These folks aren’t just clocking in. They’re performing. They’re storytelling. They’re making sure your family has a great vacation, your kid meets their hero, and your castle photo is perfectly framed for Instagram.

And they don’t get nearly enough credit.

This one’s personal for me. I’ve had a lot of friends work in the parks—some still do. My wife worked at Six Flags. I’ve heard the stories. I’ve heard about the long, sweaty shifts. The rude guests. The last-minute role swaps, costume issues, and those “smile-through-it-no-matter-what” days. But I’ve also heard about the magic they helped create—those little moments with a nervous child, a lost family, or a couple celebrating something special. Moments that guests might remember forever—all because a cast member went the extra inch.

That’s what sticks with me: it’s not just a job. It’s a responsibility. These folks are expected to show up every day and give 110%, from the moment they clock in to the moment they leave—and sometimes even after, in case a guest sees them in the parking lot. They’re sweating in costumes, staying in character, answering impossible questions (“yes, the water is real”), and dealing with the kind of entitled behavior that would send most of us running for the exits.

And they keep going. Every single day.

What amazes me most is how many roles they play at once. Performer. Customer service rep. Problem solver. Babysitter. Meteorologist. And then there’s the care they show for guests with special needs—going out of their way to create a safe, accommodating, and inclusive environment. Many cast members undergo specialized training to better understand sensory sensitivities, mobility challenges, and nonverbal communication, so they can offer thoughtful, respectful support tailored to each guest’s needs. That kind of effort takes empathy, patience, and a deep commitment to hospitality.

And let’s be real—cast members are often the first ones blamed when something goes wrong and the last ones thanked when things go right. Ride down? They didn’t break it. Long food line? They didn’t decide to put one churro cart on that entire side of the park. But they still take the complaints with professionalism, grace, and—when they can—a sense of humor.

So here’s my ask: if you’ve had a good day at a theme or amusement park, thank a cast member. And not just with a quick “thanks”—I mean really thank them. Let guest services know when someone made your day. Tip when you can. Be kind. Be patient. They’re doing everything they can to make your experience great—and sometimes they’re doing it on minimal sleep and maximum caffeine.

To the cast members, past and present—including the ones I know, and especially the one I married—thank you. You make the magic. You are the magic. And the parks wouldn’t be the same without you.

So here’s to the ones in name tags, polos, oversized character costumes, and khaki shorts. You’re the real MVPs.