Casey’s Corner has a familiar face stepping up to the piano at Magic Kingdom.
Carol, a 36-year cast member, recently took her place behind the piano, bringing decades of musical experience and Disney storytelling to the heart of Main Street U.S.A.
“Casey’s Corner is such a joyful, high-energy place, and I’m thrilled to be part of it. At the same time, it feels a little like the first day of school,” explained Carol. “Even after playing piano since I was — four years old, starting something new still comes with excitement and a few nerves. I’ve spent a lot of time preparing for this moment, learning new songs and revisiting favorites I haven’t had the opportunity to play before. I’m excited to bring that music and energy to our guests.”
From Pleasure Island to Main Street
Long before joining Disney World, Carol was inspired by her family to learn music. She started reading music when she was just two years old.
The role is the latest chapter in Carol’s remarkable Disney career. A native to Central Florida, Carol’s Disney story started back in 1990 at Pleasure Island’s Comedy Warehouse where she performed and entertained guests nightly with her craft.
Since then, Carol has played at venues around Walt Disney World including the Rose & Crown Pub and festivals at EPCOT, the Hoop-De-Doo Musical Revue at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and notably, her favorite, the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. And now, adding to her musical resume, she is playing those iconic ragtime classics at Casey’s Corner.
Today, when she is not traveling the world or running into cast member friends, she is playing tunes for guests, including some from her favorite music from composer Alan Menken like The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
“I love music with a passion. I’ve been doing it my whole life. Honestly, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t playing the piano. And I love Disney. The positive energy that the Disney brand brings is so powerful. As a musician and entertainer, you sometimes forget the impact you can have on people. Here, through live performance, we get the chance to create those personal connections and touch people’s lives in a really special way.”
Tinkering with Music to Spread a Little Joy
That ability to create magical moments is one of the reasons Carol says she feels fortunate to continue growing throughout her Disney career.
“Growing up with Walt Disney World right here in Central Florida and then having the opportunity to become part of it, while sharing what I love most, music, with guests who love Disney, is something I never take for granted.”
From performing a guest’s favorite Disney song to introducing someone to a new musical memory, Carol says her goal has always been to bring joy to others through music. That mission is inspired by one of her favorite Disney characters.
“Tinker Bell has always been my favorite character. She tinkers with things and fixes things that are broken, and I like to do that with my music. If somebody is sad, I want to make them happy. If somebody’s already happy and has a special song they want to hear, I love being able to play it for them. Tinker Bell is sassy; she spreads joy, and pixie dust. That’s what I hope to bring to guests through my music.”
More than three decades into her time with Disney, Carol is still finding new ways to create magical moments for guests, one special song at a time.
