I used to be a Disney princess — the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’ was poisonous
The “Happiest Place on Earth” turned a real-life dungeon for one former Disney princess.
Hunter Haag, a former Disney worker, revealed “traumatic and not-so-great issues about being a Disney Princess” in a TikTok video she posted on Apr. 6 that has garnered 2.5 million views.
“I really feel like it may be actually laborious working at Disney as a princess when it’s a must to be blissful 100% of the time as a result of you’ll be able to’t ever give your self any grace to simply be upset,” stated Haag.
The 30-year-old, who was a contestant on ABC’s “The Bachelor” Season 26 and “Bachelor in Paradise” Season 8, dedicates a collection of movies on TikTok sharing her experiences working at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Haag pranced across the amusement park in royal costume robes, embodying Rapunzel and Belle from 2016 till 2021 when she reportedly was “laid off as a consequence of COVID.”
In a 5-minute video, she scorned about not with the ability to speak about her job.
“It’s a brilliant thrilling job, but when somebody asks what you do, I’d say one thing like, ‘Oh, I work in merchandise at Adventureland,’ as a result of they will’t know you’re a personality,” she claimed.
The corporate allegedly even regulates staff’ social media accounts.
“You additionally should be actually cautious about what you set on-line so far as photos go and ensure nobody feedback in your photographs being like, ‘Oh my gosh, you’re so stunning!’ as a result of all the feedback should be directed to the character,” she stated.
Haag categorized Disney’s seemingly superficial method when auditioning staff as “traumatizing” as a result of “it’s based mostly off solely your seems to be.”
“You actually stand according to nonetheless many lots of of individuals and simply have a look at casting [directors] — they usually look proper again at you and that’s it.”
As soon as staff nail the auditioning course of, they have to preserve the identical bodily look as once they auditioned.
“No tattoos, further piercings, no tan traces allowed; additionally, no nail colours,” she recalled.
“Each eight months, we’d get checked to make it possible for we nonetheless match the character profile, which means that we nonetheless look younger sufficient to be the character that we’re portraying and that we nonetheless have the identical silhouette we did once we had been employed,” Haag added.
“One of many worsts elements for me was merely evaluating myself to others,” the ex-princess revealed, in addition to watching out for coworkers who had been at all times able to “sabotage you.”
“These are the folks that speak badly about you, that aren’t excited for you for those who get a parade or present,” Haag claimed.
‘I’ll always remember, there was this one lady who actually wished to be Ariel, and she or he despatched casting photos of Ariels by our image system that she didn’t suppose had been well-suited to be Ariel. And also you wanna know what occurred to her? She bought Ariel.”
The supposed poisonous work atmosphere and shallow requirements took a toll on her, calling it “bodily and mentally exhausting.”
She endured physique aches from heavy costumes — “Rapunzel’s wig truly gave me neck issues” — and groaned about being trapped indoors with “completely no daylight.”
Haag claimed that the park’s physique picture requirements may probably foster consuming issues, melancholy and nervousness “as a result of we’re having to observe our weight, so it might be a set off for individuals who battle with an consuming dysfunction.”
The Publish has reached out to Disney World for remark.
The “Bachelor” alum shared that working at “The Happiest Place on Earth” whereas going by a 7-year relationship break-up solely made her sadder, as park visitors “had been simply getting engaged to have fun to their vital others.”
On the clock, she needed to “giggle and be blissful and be excited for them, being Rapunzel. Like, can I simply cry on my own?” sighed Haag.
Many individuals flooded the distressed former princess’ feedback, praising her transparency and time as Disney royalty.
“Thanks for being so clear!! it’s superb to share the great occasions, however essential to convey consciousness to the not-so-magical elements!” commented one particular person.
“I really respect your sacrifice, particularly once I see the enjoyment you convey to my baby!” gushed a dad.
Others shared their very own private points they encountered working at Walt Disney World.
“Ugh the comparability half is so true! Its completely one of many hardest elements I battle with,” provided one particular person.
“The Disney character to ‘I hate my nostril’ pipeline ugh. Large similar,” one other particular person stated.
“That is 1000% correct and also you didn’t miss a beat -a former Disney leisure cm,” wrote an alleged former Disney employee.
“I’ve by no means made it previous type-outs for lookalike auditions (for a few years lol), actually messes with my self worth 😓,” grunted one other.
Haag responded with an encouraging message.
“Simply bear in mind the largest factor is simply trying like the opposite ladies who already painting the character,” she wrote. “You’re beautiful, hold going!”