Is there such a thing as a "lifetime pass"?

[PapaMouse]

I've actually seen a WDW "Retired" ID. Looks the same as a regular ID, but it says "RETIRED" where we usually put a date sticker for the year.

If I was backstage and saw one, I wouldn't be the type to say anything. If they have that, then I think they deserve the right to be backstage.

Retired CM's are still allowed backstage.

I actually have my fathers name badge and his retired ID.

Here is his older name badge from when they did the DRAM pins


I have his ID but it's in a safe box at my mothers. And yes your correct it looks like a normal ID only says RETIRED on it.

[Sarah Magdalene]

If I was backstage and saw one, I wouldn't be the type to say anything. If they have that, then I think they deserve the right to be backstage.

I'd say something to the likes of, "Good to have you back home, Sir/Ma'am."

[thomaskr]

...It does not give backstage access the way a CM/employee/retiree ID does, and it certainly doesn't give backdoor privilege, though I can see how a person could try to pull one on you since it does say "VIP" on it.

If this person who tried to pull the backdoor privilege on you was indeed a former Mouseketeer or someone of that stature, I'm sure they could have easily gotten backdoor privileges had they called ahead for GR or even so much as gone to City Hall instead of having to pull an SGT on you.

Totally newbie question, I know, but why would someone want "backstage privileges"? What does that get you? Free rides in golf carts in the tunnels?

[JugglingFreak]

Totally newbie question, I know, but why would someone want "backstage privileges"? What does that get you? Free rides in golf carts in the tunnels?

Just a guess, maybe visit people you used to work with, see how things are different with newer technology.. Something like that.

I could care less from most of the places I've worked, but if I retired from Disney, I could see wanting to get a little nostalgic..

[SRT_GB]

Totally newbie question, I know, but why would someone want "backstage privileges"? What does that get you? Free rides in golf carts in the tunnels?

A lot of times (but not all the time) VIPs get backstage access when escorted by a VIP tour guide so they don't have to walk around in public areas with the rest of the guests. Sometimes this is because the VIP has such a stature that they'd cause a scene or a security issue if they didn't go backstage (Tom Hanks, Michael Jackson), other times it's because the person has an inflated ego, and sometimes it's both (Tom Cruise). Backdoor privileges allow VIPs to completely bypass queues, again minimizing the so-called VIP's interaction with us common folk for much the same reasons.

Retirees get backstage access largely because they are still entitled to some CM fringe benefits (not sure exactly what), and I've also heard they sometimes have retiree events backstage.

[MagliteL13]

A lot of times (but not all the time) VIPs get backstage access when escorted by a VIP tour guide so they don't have to walk around in public areas with the rest of the guests. Sometimes this is because the VIP has such a stature that they'd cause a scene or a security issue if they didn't go backstage (Tom Hanks, Michael Jackson), other times it's because the person has an inflated ego, and sometimes it's both (Tom Cruise). Backdoor privileges allow VIPs to completely bypass queues, again minimizing the so-called VIP's interaction with us common folk for much the same reasons.

Retirees get backstage access largely because they are still entitled to some CM fringe benefits (not sure exactly what), and I've also heard they sometimes have retiree events backstage.

Three things I can think of off the top of my head are Cast Connection, Property Control, and the numerous Company Ds.

[Big Wallaby]

Three things I can think of off the top of my head are Cast Connection, Property Control, and the numerous Company Ds.

Emphasis on the first two. While the third is nice, with the discounted movie tickets, nice CM-based clothing lines and such, I'd be much more concerned with Prop Control and Cast Connection.

[thomaskr]

So basically it's just a quicker way to get around and beat the lines onto rides then... I guess that's a definite benefit.

Speaking of changing technology, I'm guessing that at some point they turned the original computer computer room at WDW into a banquet hall or blimp storage utility?

[drcorey]

I would want lab access if I worked there, so I can see howdisney technlogy changes over time. like the AA's have grown, from tapebased cam and lever systems to digital hightech systems. i.e. a single AA figure used to need a warehouse for it's support gear, and now you can run a whole show from a ipod...

[Cheshire Figment]

Following are the "levels" of MGP

Blue - Hourly CMs with less than 15 years service.

Silver - Salaried CMs or hourly who have 15 or more years service

Purple (don't know is still used) - Managers of TDS while it was owned by CP

Silver with Gold Stripe - Executives

Red - VIP, may include CEOs of sponsor corporations or others

Gold (two varieties) - Corporate Officer of TWDC or Board of Directors member of TWDC.