Are Cast Members able to purchase discounted tickets for family & friends?

[disneygrandma]

We have old family friends who have children working at WDW. We're planning a trip to WDW this summer, and I was wondering if these children are able to purchase discounted tickets for us. I think I read where they would receive some complimentary tickets each year, and if that's correct, they would already be spoken for by family members. I wouldn't dream of asking for free tickets, unless that is something given out multiple times a year. So any chance of getting discounted, or special usage WDW tickets by Cast Members?

Thanks for your help with this!

 

[Mle8308]

CM’s can buy slightly discounted tickets, but for the hassle they have to go through, you can buy tickets for almost the same amount by looking at Undercover Tourist (especially when they have the adult for child price sales) or other accredited ticket sellers. If the CM’s are not salaried or longer term employees, the number of times they can “sign in” guests into the park is limited and technically they would have to be with you the entire time you are in the parks (since you are not immediate family). They could get terminated if they got you in and then left, it’s happened. Disney goes through phases where they will enforce this. Comp tickets are given out, but it’s not a lot. Unless they offer to either buy discounted tickets or get you in, I would not mention it. Especially if the children aren’t close family. If your friends know you are visiting and don’t volunteer to do anything for you in terms of park admission, leave it at that. They may be more than happy to do it for you, that’s great. Do realize there is some effort that will have to be made and maybe take them out to dinner or something as a thank you.

 

[DonMacGregor]

Yes.

 

[HopperFan]

My DD was a CM ~ please don't ask them to do this. We actually sent a message out when she started to friends and family to ask them not to put her on the spot. The discount is MINIMAL (as stated you can get the same discount on your own) and she had to go purchase the tickets and the hassle you put on them is not worth it. Yes she got some free tickets and we had her use those for her friends who traveled to visit her there when she had a few days off. What we told folks is if they want to see her, try to make plans to meet for dinner. There was a possibility for a discount on the meal, I know when we went during the holidays she had double the discount which we utilized. She used her discount for us, and we treated her to the meal, and we had a nice visit.

 

[rdaky]

My DD was a CM ~ please don't ask them to do this. We actually sent a message out when she started to friends and family to ask them not to put her on the spot. The discount is MINIMAL (as stated you can get the same discount on your own) and she had to go purchase the tickets and the hassle you put on them is not worth it. Yes she got some free tickets and we had her use those for her friends who traveled to visit her there when she had a few days off. What we told folks is if they want to see her, try to make plans to meet for dinner. There was a possibility for a discount on the meal, I know when we went during the holidays she had double the discount which we utilized. She used her discount for us, and we treated her to the meal, and we had a nice visit.

Yes, all of this. Don't ask. For every cast member, there are a hundred people coming out of the woodwork also asking them for discounts. Unless the cast member herself is reaching out to you offering to give you something, don't ask.

 

[FastPasser.]

Maybe I’m just lucky but so far people coming out of the woodwork is not an issue. I do limit it to family and close friends. I’m happy to do it. It can be a pain though, especially when getting family into MK and I’m not staying.

 

[DonMacGregor]

Maybe I’m just lucky but so far people coming out of the woodwork is not an issue. I do limit it to family and close friends. I’m happy to do it. It can be a pain though, especially when getting family into MK and I’m not staying.

This. My first job ever was at Disneyland, and I stayed there for almost 12 years (senior year of high school through college and grad school and a little beyond). My son worked there in college, and both of my sisters too. One sister is still with the company after 33 years. I don't think any of us, over that 43-year span, ever felt anyone take advantage and we never had people coming out of the woodwork.

 

[FastPasser.]

This. My first job ever was at Disneyland, and I stayed there for almost 12 years (senior year of high school through college and grad school and a little beyond). My son worked there in college, and both of my sisters too. One sister is still with the company after 33 years. I don't think any of us, over that 43-year span, ever felt anyone take advantage and we never had people coming out of the woodwork.

Wow, that’s an impressive family history with the Disney Company.

 

[DonMacGregor]

Wow, that’s an impressive family history with the Disney Company.

My dad actually also worked for the company part-time after retirement. Steam Trains and Main Street Vehicles (back when old, grey-haired dudes were the preferred look). Didn't need the money, just loved the Mouse.

 

[disneygrandma]

I want to thank everyone for explaining how the CM discount tickets work. We definitely won't be bringing the subject up, or expect our friends to offer. Thanks again