May 01, 2026

254: Elaina was friends with Mickey

1 hour 3 minutes

Today’s episode is a little different.

you’re a regular listener to the show, you know that usually we

hear a story from a regular person about something they’ve

experienced that was extremely unusual. We have over 250 episodes

like that – plane crashes, mass shootings, animal attacks, and lots

more. And it’s not all trauma stories – we have some happy ones

too.

But

sometimes we change it up, and I have a guest on who has a really

unusual job. I’ve talked to Spence, who’s a lighthouse keeper,

and Dan, who prepares people for their first time going to prison,

and Jen – who works as a professional bridesmaid. You can scroll

through all the back episodes and find those and a few more.

today I’m speaking with Elaina. As a young person, she was hired to

work at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World – as Mickey Mouse. You

know, when you’re at Disney World, and you’re walking around

trying to decide if you go ride the Space Mountain roller coaster,

or take a break in the air conditioning and watch the Country Bear

Musical Jamboree, and all of a sudden you see standing right in front

of you is – Mickey Mouse. Waving, signing autographs, and just

making people happy.

Yeah,

that’s what Elaina did. She also played Minnie Mouse, and a few

other characters sometimes. We talked about how she ended up getting

that job, what it’s like to wear the costume, what would get you

fired, and the celebrities she crossed paths with. And of course,

what everyone wants to know about – the infamous tunnels UNDER

Disney World. You’re gonna get all the behind-the-scenes stuff

today.

And

why is this episode titled “Elaina was FRIENDS with Mickey”?

She’ll explain that too.

you’d like to contact Elaina, she’s in the Facebook group -

https://WhatWasThatLike.com/facebook

Full

show notes and pictures for this episode are here:

https://WhatWasThatLike.com/254

Graphics

for this episode by Bob Bretz. Transcription was done by James Lai.

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By Scott Johnson & Glassbox Media.

4.7

16831,683 ratings