Disney World Vocabulary 101 - Terms You Should Know Before You Go

10. Cast Member

Cast Members are the employees at Disney.  Walt Disney believed the guests experience when visiting his theme parks is akin to being at a movie, so rather than calling his employees just that, the term cast member underscores to all that they are part of the production that is put on each and everyday for the guests visiting the parks and resorts.

9. On Stage/Off Stage

Following Walt Disney’s belief that a visit to his theme park is part of a production, these terms refer to where Cast Members are.  On stage refers to when Cast Members are in view of guests or in a situation where they may interact with guests.  Off (or back) stage refer to behind the scenes areas where guests are not permitted.

8. Tables in Wonderland

Tables in Wonderland is a membership that can be purchased by Florida Residents, annual passholders, and Disney Vacation Club members that allow guests to receive a 20% discount at select restaurants on food and drink!  The membership covers up to ten guests dining in a single party, but does add automatic gratuity to a guest’s check.

7. Disney Vacation Club (DVC)

Disney Vacation Club allows guests to purchase points to be used to book nights at various resorts at Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani, and Disney’s resorts at Hilton Head and Vero Beach.  Similar to a timeshare, guests purchase an ownership interest in a resort.  These interest entitles guests to a certain number of points per year that can be used to book rooms at a guest’s home resort or at any of the other DVC resorts.

6. Disney Dining Plan

The Disney Dining Plan is a method in which guests can “buy” their food before arriving on property.  Guests participating in the Disney Dining Plan can select the type of dining plan they like.  The various plans entitle guests to a certain number of table service, counter service, and snacks per day.  Rather than having to fish cash out of their pockets, guests just scan their MagicBand to pay for their meals!