Making magic is a 24-hour operation. There are about 1,500 cast members who work the overnight or “Third Shift.” Some have worked this nocturnal schedule for several years.

While Walt Disney World employs over 75,000 "Cast Members" in total, a specialized "third shift" of approximately 3,000 to 5,000 people works every single night while the guests are sleeping. This "midnight army" is responsible for the incredible transformation of the parks. They include horticulturists who replace thousands of flowers, painters who touch up railings, and maintenance engineers who inspect every inch of the roller coaster tracks. There are also specialized dive teams that go into the waters of attractions like Jungle Cruise or it's a small world to clear debris or repair underwater animatronics. In the weeks leading up to the holidays, this overnight crew grows significantly as they install massive Christmas trees and miles of garland in a single night. This 24/7 cycle ensures that the "show" is perfect for the first guests who walk through the gates at 8:00 AM, making it look as though the park was never touched.