Emma Grace Avant: Finding Magic in the Details
As part of the Disney College Program, I worked as a character attendant at Walt Disney World. My role was to support Disney characters during their meet-and-greet interactions with guests, ensuring that each encounter remained magical while adhering to park policies. While this description might sound simple, the reality of my responsibilities was anything but. Balancing strict guidelines, emotional interactions, and logistical challenges required constant problem-solving, patience, and adaptability.
One particular incident at the meet-and-greet line for Woody and Jessie illustrates the complexities of this role. What began as a minor request about a misplaced juice box turned into a vivid example of human dynamics and emotional management—a moment that tested both my professionalism and patience.
It was a sunny afternoon at the park, and the line for Woody and Jessie stretched long with families eager to meet the characters—keep in mind, the line for Woody and Jessie is always at least an hour and a half long and in direct sunlight. While organizing the queue, I noticed a dad had placed a single juice box on a ledge near the front of the line. This might seem harmless, but the clutter could disrupt the carefully maintained appearance of the setting or even become a tripping hazard for our characters as they go to greet the next guests in line. I approached him politely and asked if he could place the juice box in the designated stroller area, just a few feet away. To my surprise, he reacted defensively, arguing that the juice box wasn’t harming anyone and insisting he shouldn’t have to move it. Trying to de-escalate the situation, I calmly explained the importance of keeping the area clear and reiterated that it was park policy. His frustration grew, his voice rising to the point where other guests began to notice. After a few attempts to ask him nicely to move it, his wife stepped in, visibly annoyed. “It’s a juice box,” she said sharply to her husband. “Just move it, it’s not that big of a deal.” After a brief but tense exchange between them, he finally picked up the juice box and walked to the stroller area, grumbling under his breath.
While I was relieved the situation was resolved, the encounter left me reflecting on the emotional complexity of my role. It wasn’t just about enforcing rules—it was about managing people’s expectations and emotions in high-stakes moments. For this family, a simple request likely felt like an intrusion on what was supposed to be a magical day. My job required me to navigate such situations with empathy and composure, skills that I’ve since come to value deeply.
The juice box incident was far from an isolated event. As a character attendant, I frequently encountered moments where I had to diplomatically enforce rules while preserving the magic for guests. Some families, understandably, brought sky-high expectations to their Disney trips, and my role often required diffusing tensions when those expectations clashed with reality. For example, I once had to explain to a family that they wouldn’t have time to meet a character due to a sudden scheduling change. They were visibly disappointed, and I empathized with their frustration. By patiently listening and offering alternative suggestions, I was able to turn a difficult conversation into a more positive interaction.
These experiences taught me invaluable skills in communication and conflict resolution. Remaining calm under pressure, even when guests were upset, became second nature. I learned to tailor my approach to each situation, whether that meant being firm but polite or offering a creative solution. These abilities have since translated into my academic work and leadership roles, where clear communication and adaptability are equally crucial.
One of the most significant lessons I learned as a character attendant was the importance of empathy. Every guest brought their own story to the park—whether it was a child meeting their hero for the first time or a parent reliving their childhood memories through their kids. Recognizing these unique perspectives helped me approach each interaction with respect and care, even during challenging moments. The juice box dad, for instance, was likely under stress from a long day at the park, which may have fueled his reaction. While I didn’t condone his behavior, understanding the context helped me handle the situation without taking it personally. This ability to see beyond surface-level frustrations is a skill I continue to draw on in my daily life.
Amid the challenges, moments of pure magic reminded me why I loved my role. One afternoon, I assisted with a meet-and-greet for Minnie Mouse when a young girl dressed in Minnie’s exact outfit hesitated to approach. She clung to her father’s hand, her excitement overshadowed by shyness. I knelt down and gently reassured her, telling her how excited the character was to meet her. One of my favorite things to do with shy kids or scared kids was to offer them stickers—often of the character they are meeting or their favorite character. So of course, I had the perfect Princess Minnie sticker to give her. Slowly, her tears turned into a hesitant smile, and she finally stepped forward to hug the character. She began to talk to Minnie about all of her favorite things and showed her every detail of her outfit. Her father captured the moment on his phone, his expression full of pride and joy. This small but meaningful interaction reinforced the value of patience and emotional awareness. By meeting her at her level—both literally and emotionally—I was able to transform her fear into a memory she and her family would treasure. It was a powerful reminder that even the smallest gestures can have a profound impact.
Reflecting on this experience months after leaving Disney has given me a clearer perspective on its significance. Immediately after my time there, I appreciated the role’s challenges and rewards but hadn’t fully grasped the enduring lessons it imparted. Looking back, I recognize how working as a character attendant cultivated my ability to think critically and empathetically about the impact of my actions on others. Furthermore, my experience at Disney has underscored the importance of pursuing a career where I can balance professional excellence with genuine human connection. This realization has influenced my academic choices, prompting me to seek courses and experiences that emphasize both technical skills and ethical considerations. As I continue to develop my career path, I carry with me the conviction that professionalism and empathy need not be separate but can reinforce one another.
In hindsight, my time as a Disney character attendant was far more than a job; it was a transformative experience that taught me how to balance professionalism with empathy. The juice box incident, the shy little girl, and countless other moments gave me a deeper understanding of human behavior and the importance of creating meaningful connections. These lessons have influenced my approach to academics and leadership. Whether I’m working on a group project or serving in a leadership role, I strive to approach every challenge with the same calm, empathetic mindset I developed at Disney. The Disney College Program offered me a unique window into the complexities of human interaction. From managing tense situations to creating moments of magic, my role as a character attendant taught me skills that extend far beyond the boundaries of the park. As I move forward in my academic and professional journey, I carry these lessons with me, knowing they will continue to shape how I engage with others and navigate challenges. My time as a Disney character attendant was a professional and personal milestone that continues to inform my approach to new challenges. This role taught me the value of patience, empathy, and resilience—qualities that are integral to any field but which I initially encountered in this unique environment. I look forward to applying these insights to future roles, embracing each new experience with the same openness and commitment to excellence.
Emma Grace Avant is a graphic design major at Lander University, expecting to graduate in Fall 2025. Emma Grace is from Greenville, and she gained valuable experience as a character attendant during the Disney College Program, where she honed her communication and customer service skills. With a passion for creativity, Emma Grace enjoys photography, reading, and listening to music, which are only some of her favorite hobbies. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in graphic design, hopefully back at Disney or at her own business combining her artistic talents with technical expertise to contribute to the visual arts industry. Emma Grace also finds a passion for editing and posting videos about her experience to help others learn about the program.