Disneyland Paris spent a day showing its own people how the magic actually works. On Tuesday, September 8, the resort’s Special Effects teams opened their doors to Cast Members for a day dedicated to the props, machines and techniques behind the shows. More than 500 Cast Members came through.
The Special Effects department is one guests rarely think about by name, even though its work is everywhere. It handles effects in shows and experiences across the resort every day, and this open house was built to walk colleagues through those roles and the expertise behind them.
Several areas were built specially for the day so visitors could get close to the work. One exhibit laid out props and equipment used in productions. SFX Cast Members stood by to explain the machines behind some of the effects that reach the stage. A virtual reality experience ran alongside it, and a photo spot was rigged with spark fountains and bubbles. Sparks included.
A photo op that fires sparks at you is a decent argument for the badge.
What did the special effects demonstrations show?
Live demonstrations ran through the day on the Théâtre des Stars stage. The teams put effects through real conditions there and showed the techniques used across Disneyland Paris shows. Most of this gear stays hidden during a normal park day.
Some curious visitors shared: “I got to see special effects I had never seen before. […] It’s very impressive and quite unique to experience.”
The day ran like a working department with the doors off. Workshops, exhibits and demonstrations all shared the same schedule.
How did the open house end?
The day closed with a show made for the occasion. The Special Effects teams built an original performance with help from several other Disneyland Paris departments. More than 1,100 Cast Members watched it. Fire, water and smoke are daily tools here, and the closing show turned them into something emotional.
This one was for Cast Members, not guests.
Virtual reality isn’t only an open house novelty. Using headsets, some candidates for Special Effects Cast Member roles work through situations inspired by the job before they’re hired. The goal isn’t only to measure what a candidate knows or how comfortable they are. It gives recruiters a realistic scenario to talk about.
Source: Disneyland Paris News
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