Opening Day Disney Cast Member Looks Back at Past 50 Years
Pam Flint, an original Cast Member from opening day and who continues to work at Walt Disney World, recently reflected on her experiences over the past 50 years in a new interview with People magazine.
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Flint, 72, embarked on her journey as an opening day Cast Member, initially serving as a can-can dancer at The Diamond Horseshoe in Magic Kingdom. She vividly remembers October 1, 1971, when the park first opened its gates for operation. “My actual hire date is Sept. 15, 1971, and we had two weeks of rehearsals before Oct. 1,” she reminisces. Flint cherishes the memories of that inaugural day. “Everyone was so excited on day one. We only had 15 people show up to our first show, but it didn’t matter — it was a great show, and we all had a great time.”
Over the years, Flint has occupied numerous roles at Walt Disney World, from portraying Miss Claire in the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue to serving as a buying manager, costumer (handling the re-imagining of Fantasyland), project manager, designer, and procurement specialist for costumes aboard the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder for Disney Cruise Line.
A couple of years back, she decided it was time to retire, but Flint found herself back in the fold after only nine months away.
“I got a call […] and they asked me to come back part-time, so I did to help cover holidays and things. And one thing led to another, and they offered me my old job back, and I said, “Okay.” And I’ve been here ever since.”
Presently, she serves as the proprietor of operations costuming at EPCOT, where she manages animatronics and oversees the Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
In 2023, Flint reached the significant milestone of 50 years with Walt Disney World. At the 2024 Disney Service Celebration, an annual event recognizing long-time Cast Members, she was honored alongside others who had achieved similar milestones in their careers. Her previous attendance at the celebration was for her 45th anniversary.
Flint hopes to remain at Walt Disney World Resort as long as she can continue to make a difference. “As long as I’m doing that — making a difference, moving my division forward — I would love to stay.”
Source: People
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