Cast Member Confidential

So what's the story about? Well, you know it's going to be something a bit juicy when the back cover screams at you that, 'This is the story that Disney would never tell you,' and that's a pretty accurate description. This is an autobiographical tale from Chris Mitchell, who heads to Walt Disney World as a complete cynic. He gets a job there, and the next year sees him change his viewpoint on Disney magic; more than once, I'd say. It's always interesting, and certainly never dull, and by the time I reached the end of the book, I was genuinely sad to see this trip come to an end.

Each chapter is very cleverly titled with a famous Disney phrase, like 'Something There That Wasn't There Before,' 'A Spoonful of Sugar,' and, 'I just Can't Wait to be King.' Each title gives you a rough idea of what's coming up, as it should, but each chapter seamlessly blends a number of things together. As well as exploring the author's journey while working at Walt Disney World, it also explores his world view, which I found really interesting. I'll be honest, I bought this book to learn more about Disney behind the scenes, but in the end became more fascinated by what was happening to him outside of his work. That's something I never thought I'd say, and says something about the quality of the story being told.

I don't want to give too much away about Mitchell's journey, but it's fair to say that when he starts at Disney, he's the type of person that all Disney fans know, the type who roll their eyes whenever the 'D' word is mentioned. It's intriguing that he chose the job, but there is good reason, and before long, he finds himself being sucked into the magic.

That happy family image also goes out of the window with the description of some of the parties that go on. Perhaps the observation that sticks most with me was that a lot of Disney Cast Members were leading a double life, with a Disney role to play during the day, but an alter-ego appearing outside of hours. It was also interesting to read about some of the characters that Mitchell came into contact with. On more than one occasion, from his descriptions, I'd made my mind up about that person (and by the way, all of them have false identities to protect their modesty), and then something happened that changed my mind completely about them. This book certainly has a lot of twists, and turns in it.

If you have a desire, as I do, to hear the whole truth, warts and all, about life working at Disney, then this is the perfect book for you, but be warned, it doesn't draw a veil over anything. You will learn things that will shock and surprise you. All I'm going to say is that I'm never going to look at Pooh Bear in the same way again; if you dare, read the book and see what I mean! Provided none of this review has put you off, I would thoroughly recommend this book. It's a really gripping read, and provided me with laugh-out-loud moments, tears of both joy and despair, and wonder, as I read it. It's certainly a wonderful Disneyfied memoir, and I'd love to read more such memoirs in the future.

Animal Kingdom - out on safari
Trucks out on safari.

About the Author: Cheryl is the author of the e-book, PassPorter's Walt Disney World for British Holidaymakers, and is the co-author of PassPorter's Disney Vacation Club Guide: For Members and Members-To-Be. Cheryl and husband Mark live in England and love to travel, particularly to Disney, and they have travelled around the world, taking in a number of Disney cruises, Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani in Hawai'i, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disney and Hong Kong Disneyland on the way. Click here to view more of Cheryl's articles!