The Backstory
The first question I’m asked when someone hears I was a Former Cast Member at Walt Disney World (WDW) is: What did you do while you were there? My typical answer has always been some variation of Quick-Service Food and Beverage and Merchandise at Epcot, Management during the International Food and Wine Festival, as well as Group Ambassador and Front Desk Cashier at the All-Star Resorts. Though those roles and titles are true, I never really saw them as my job. Each day I put on my costume and drove under the WDW sign, I knew my job was to put a smile on guest’s faces and make their trip just a bit more magical; and, I enjoyed doing it!
Over the last seven years or so, I’ve wondered how, from Michigan, I might be able to make guest’s vacations to WDW, and other Disney destinations, magical. As the wheels began to turn and the lightbulb turned on, the first prototypes were created. In fact, I made seven initial pairs, one for each day of my trip to Disneyland Resort for the 2017 D23 Expo! Not only did I love what I created and have fun doing it; but, I received incredibly positive feedback from Cast Members and fellow guests.
The Mouse Ears
And so, the Magical Parks and Beyond blog added on a Mouse Ears division and the MagicalParksBeyond Etsy Shop opened its “doors”. Each set of ears is hand-sewn and park-tested. The headbands are made of satin-wrapped plastic, but may come wrapped in a coordinating fabric or ribbon design depending on the ear style. Materials used range from cotton and muslin to upholstery and wine corks. All ear designs are inspired by either Disney Park Festivals, Disney Films, Disney Park Attractions, or Disney Characters. I even make custom orders!
Ways to Buy
- Visit my Etsy Shop
- Click the respective “Buy” button below
Magical Parks and Beyond 