Casey’s Corner has a new pianist behind the keys at Magic Kingdom. Carol, a 36-year Cast Member, recently took her place at the piano outside the Main Street USA hot dog venue. She brings decades of musical experience to the role. Disney introduced Carol in a new feature detailing her path to the bench.
A “New” Casey’s Corner Pianist With Deep Disney Roots
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- A “new” pianist, Carol, has taken over the piano at Casey’s Corner
- Carol is a 36-year Disney cast member with a career dating back to 1990
- Her Disney résumé includes stops at EPCOT, Fort Wilderness, and the Grand Floridian
Carol Stein Heads to Casey’s Corner at Magic Kingdom
Carol Stein is not new to Walt Disney World. Disney says her career started in 1990 at Pleasure Island’s Comedy Warehouse, where she performed for guests nightly. She is a native of Central Florida and was inspired by her family to learn music as a child, reading music by age two.
Since her start at Pleasure Island, Carol has played at several venues across Walt Disney World. Disney lists the Rose & Crown Pub, festivals at EPCOT, and the Hoop-De-Doo Musical Revue at Fort Wilderness among her prior stops. The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is her favorite of the bunch, Carol has said. Now, she adds Casey’s Corner and its ragtime songbook to that résumé.
“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,” Carol said. “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.”
What Carol Plays at Casey’s Corner
Carol’s sets mix the ragtime classics associated with Casey’s Corner with music from her own favorites, including songs by composer Alan Menken, such as work from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. She said music has been a constant throughout her life.
“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,” Carol said. “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.”
Carol pointed to Tinker Bell as the character behind her approach to the role. She ties Tinker Bell’s tinkering, mischievous spirit to her own goal of lifting a guest’s mood through music.
“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,” Carol said. “Tinker Bell is sassy, she spreads joy, and pixie dust. That’s what I hope to bring to guests through my music.”
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!