Walt Disney World Scenes for a Tuesday

Walt Disney World Scenes

Some iPhone shots from last week’s trip. I do so love my iPhone. Enjoy.

Angry Donald at Downtown Disney

Jungle Cruise

The clawwwwww…. from the People Mover

The mechanical palms in Tomorrowland

One of the best decisions of my life

Welcome dear readers. I met our next interview at work, taking her picture for a story we were doing on her. This is important, because it was after talking to my friend Pam (Ed’s Note: You read Pam’s interview right? It was my first one. No? Umm, go read it and come back. Here’s the link. Go on, read it…;-))and then Anne Marie about Disney that I decided to go ahead and start a blog featuring interviews with cast members.

Anne Marie is one of the many students, faculty and staff that make you proud to work at such an amazing University. I get to meet people like Anne Marie all the time, it’s a true pleasure.

Yes, I took this picture. I'm just as surprised as you are.

Tell us about yourself:

My name is Anne Marie. I am 29 and currently a grad student seeking my Masters of Business Administration from the Terry College of Business and my law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law.

How long did you work at Disney, and what did you do?

I worked for Disney for 7 months as an intern in the College Program in 2002 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as a Kilimanjaro Safari’s game driver.

Fun facts: The Kilimanjaro Safari trucks are modified GMC trucks converted to run on propane. Unclear if propane accessories were involved.

Harambe is the fictional African village Disney created for Animal Kingdom. The Kilimanjaro Safari starts from here.

(Ed’s Note: Here’s a great site exploring the detail of Harambe)

Why did you begin working for Disney?

I had always loved Disney as a kid. My parents moved to Orlando when I was 6, and we lived 7 minutes from the park! Needless to say, my parent bought season passes and took me to the parks every chance I could convince them–every kid’s fantasy come true! (Ed’s Note: Indeed it is) While I was in college I heard about the Disney College Program and I jumped at the chance to go back for an internship. As an intern, I was very impressed with the company culture and loved every moment of my experience. At the end of my internship, I returned to school to finish my undergraduate degree.

Interested in learning more? Have a look, but please, come back and finish the story...

Tell us your favorite memory of working there:

I am a naturally introverted and shy person. When I applied for the internship I knew that I would be placed where Disney needed me. When I found out that I would be a safari driver, everyone told me how great it would be and how it was one of the top spots for a College Program intern to have. Prior to the internship, I had not been to the Animal Kingdom, so I had no idea what I was in for until I got to the park my first day. When I found out that I would have to entertain guests as a safari driver all day, learn the ins and outs of over 50 different African animal species, and learn how to drive a huge truck–needless to say, I was overwhelmed and scared to death…and excited…all at the same time. I had a flight or fight moment of anxiety for about a day, and then I told myself that this was a once in a lifetime experience and that I would regret it if I asked to be transferred somewhere else. Well, as it ended up, it was one of the best decisions of my life to stay. I got to know so many amazing people, from schools all over the U.S. and countries as far away as Zimbabwe and South Africa. I met amazing guests and was able to create “magical moments” with kids that touched me as much as I hope I touched them by providing a fantastic safari experience.

Located in DinoLand inside Animal Kingdom, Chester & Hester's Dinosaur Treasures is one of my favorite places at Disney. It's full of hidden mickeys, fantastic theming and a great backstory. Thanks to stretchdog on Flickr for the pic.

Do you have a favorite Disney park?

Do I have to pick one? I love them all. I guess EPCOT is my overall favorite. I love to travel and so the World Showcase has always been an amazing experience for me!

World Showcase at EPCOT. This is near the landing servicing the boat from EPCOT to Hollywood Studios. If you've never been on it, it's a treat. Don't believe me???

Here's the boat at the Hollywood Studios dock. This was right before I got on to head to EPCOT. And you didn't think we'd see anything good today...

What is your favorite Disney park ride?

Space Mountain (I know, it’s shocking that the Safari is not my favorite)

Space Mountain at Disneyland Paris. I'll go ahead and say what you're all thinking, 'Paris Disneyland is way more awesome than Disney here.' Though, the French do have a good excuse for superb theming on a fantasy space ride. Thanks to iamdanw on Flickr

What is your favorite Disney food or treat?

Oh that is easy — Ice cream sandwiches at the Main Street Bakery!

Thanks to sanctumsolitude on Flickr

What is your favorite Disney souvenir?

A fanny pack that my mom would wear when we went to the parks. It was pretty ugly (I mean it is a fanny pack), but it reminds me of my mom and the fun times we had in the parks together, so therefore it is my favorite souvenir!

Fanny packs of Disney 😉

What is your favorite Disney movie?

Beauty and the Beast

Did you ever see a celebrity in the parks?

Sure…lots! Bruce Willis and Demy Moore came through the line at the Safari ride when I was an intern on the College Program. They were there with their kids and got the special VIP private safari ride! Joey Fatone got the same treatment when he came with his family.

Willis starred in "The Kid' for Disney in 2000. This movie is probably better known now for introducing us to Spencer Breslin, who is growing into a fine actor. Unlike his younger sister who just seems weird...

 

Here's Fatone dancing on the Disney Magic cruise ship in 2007. Fatone has a long history with Disney and Disney Parks. My respect for Fatone went to 11 after his appearance in 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding'. 'I'm gonna kill ya...'

...including this guest spot on Disney's 'Imagination Movers'.

Did you encounter any challenges while working?

One hot summer day after I had a long shift on the truck, I was sweating through my clothes and had gotten only a short break before I had to head out to work in the stroller area. Well, an angry mom came up to me, upset that she couldn’t find her stroller. She yelled at me that it was my fault that she couldn’t find it. I had to remember what I had been taught during Disney orientation…to listen to the guest and to make every effort to solve the problem to their satisfaction. As it ended up, her husband had grabbed the stroller and had taken their kids to the bathroom without telling her. When she found out, she apologized to me and I gave her a pass to get on to another ride in the park without having to wait in line. If I had gotten upset in that situation it would have escalated needlessly. Instead, I listened and helped her walk through the steps of what had happened after she got off the ride and all turned out well.

Oh-Em-Gee, these stroller parking lots in the parks are a nightmare. Do what we did, buy a ballon first thing and keep it tied to the stroller the entire day. It makes a HUGE difference in retrieval after coming out from a ride and cast members have moved all the strollers around to make more room.

Did you ever experience anything unexpected or special with the animals while on a tour?

I witnessed the birth of two thomson’s gazelle’s or “tommies” as they were called on the ride. Tommies are very small when fully grown, so to see them as babies was amazing. These two tommies were delivered “on stage,” meaning live in front of guests. They stayed on stage only for a few minutes before they were taken to a team of vets off stage to be taken care of further. It was truly an amazing day!

A 'tommie' on the Safari. And, as anyone who's been on the Safari knows, you DO NOT call them Thomson Gazelles. The very idea...

Share a funny moment while you were on the clock:

Riding through the safari during mating season…I had to tell the kids on my truck to close their eyes on more than once occasion! 🙂

(Ed’s Note: Oddly enough, I couldn’t kind a picture to illustrate this point)

Did you have a favorite hidden mickey?

Yes.  There is one on the safari’s ride just after the African elephants. Look for it next time you go!

The Flamingo island is a hidden mickey, though you have to be high up to see it. Thanks to mrkathika on Flickr for the image.

Where did you live while in Orlando?

I lived at Disney operated apartments called Vista Way. They were located about 10 minutes from the parks. I lived with other cast members, two of which were my best friends who came with me from UGA. We had a blast!!!!

Would you go back?

Well, if Disney had a career path in environmental law and real estate, yes. I loved my time there, I just don’t think my current career path will take me back.

What did you learn from Disney:

I learned amazing guest (customer) service skills that have served me well in other service jobs held subsequently. I also learned how to work within a diverse workforce.

Disney's guest relations are legendary. Thanks to Loren Javier on Flickr

(Ed’s Note: Here’s a great example of good customer service…in the parks, if you buy something and you’re staying on property, Disney will deliver it to your room. I bought a coffee mug [what kind you ask? Nightmare Before Christmas of course. D’uh ;-)] and asked to have it sent to the hotel. Well, when I got there, no mug. After looking for 2 days, I was told that they would send one to our home, which was fine with me. But, when it arrived, it was broken!!! And at this point, I had washed the receipt with the clothes. So, on the phone I get, and after explaining what happened to at least 3 people, I fantastic young cast member was able to decipher the numbers I could actually read from the washed-out receipt, and send me a fresh, unbroken mug!!! One which I still use today. Sigh…)

Are you still in contact with your Disney co-workers?

It has been 9 years since I worked there…so no I don’t really keep in touch.

If you worked in the parks, how did you share the Disney magic?

I tried to make sure that everyone on my truck had the best experience of their vacation with me on the ride. The safari’s attraction was one of the top rides out of all the WDW parks, so I knew that the guests on my truck had high expectations. I also knew that they likely had waited in line for an hour or more and that it was up to me to provide them with a great experience. There were many occasions where I had a round of applause at the end of the ride, which was amazingly satisfying!

The queue for the Safari is great fun, cool in the heat of the day, and sets up the backstory well. But it is indeed the drivers that make the trip so worth while!

What would you tell guests about Disney since you’ve worked there?

It is just as much fun, if not more, to work at the happiest place on earth!

If you could change anything about Disney, what would it be?

Wouldn’t change anything!

Are you glad you worked there?

Absolutely!

Many, many thanks to Anne Marie for taking the time from a very busy schedule to answer our questions. We wish her all the best in the future.

See ya real soon!

Lego: Pirates of the Caribbean

As reported here in 2010, LEGO video game producer Traveler’s Tales will release Lego: Pirates of the Caribbean to conincide with the 4th Pirates film later this year. New video was released this week.

More

The most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen…

Jennifer and I went to high school together, as did her little sister. I remember playing drums for her senior chorus performance in 1986. She’s now the principal at an excellent alternative high school in Dalton, GA. Disney and Facebook, bringing people back together for years…

Tell us about yourself?

My name’s Jennifer Phinney (Ed’s Note: Her maiden name is Martin in case you were wondering if you went to high school with her too) and I’m 42. I’m from Dalton, GA and am now principal at Morris Innovative High School in Dalton. I’m married with 3 beautiful children.

What’s your favorite Disney park?

It would be a tie between Disney/MGM studios (now Disney Hollywood Studios) and Future World at EPCOT.

EPCOT. I love Future World too. You know Future World right? It's got the giant ball? Good, let's move on...

What’s your favorite Disney ride?

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. (Ed’s Note: Before the Fantasyland expansion announcement, there were rumors that Thunder Mountain would get a new interactive queue within the next two years, much like was unveiled at Winnie the Pooh last year. I’ve heard nothing about it recently however.)

What’s your favorite Disney food/treat?

Mickey ice cream bar

What’s your favorite Disney souvenir?

Framed Disney silhouettes of my children from Liberty Square.

Liberty Square. Or as most people know it 'where the Haunted Mansion is.' It's one of the more unsung lands at the Magic Kingdom. It's also one of the only places to get a funnel cake in the parks. And it has a Christmas shop. But mostly, funnel cakes. mmmmmmm, funnel cakes...

What’s your favorite Disney movie?

Little Mermaid (was released while I worked there).

The Voyage of the Little Mermaid is a 15-minute show at Disney Hollywood Studios. I've never seen it. Maybe because in 1991, while working at a Waldenbooks, 'The Little Mermaid' was played every day for months. I still have a hard time watching it...

Tell us about working for Disney:

I was there from 1989 – 1990 as a Backstage Studio Tour Guide at what was then Disney/MGM Studios. That was when the tour was about an hour and a half long, so we had some challenges learning the script every day!

This logo is so '80's you can smell the hairspray. I always wished I had gone back then. I did get to see it before the name change however, so that's something. Moving on...

An old Studios brochure circa 1994-95. Did you know the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is 199 feet tall. If it was 200, it would require airline warning lights at the top. It's also now full of cellular equipment.

Studios map circa 1990. The park was devoid of rides for the most part, focusing instead on movie and TV production. Times change...

Why did you begin working for Disney?

I interviewed for the WDW College Program on a whim. I was at UGA at the time (Ed’s Note: Go Dawgs!) I had to ride a bus from Athens, GA to Clemson, SC where the interviews were held, and then they offered me a job. I decided that it would be a pretty cool adventure, so I took the job and some time off from school.

Why did you leave Disney?

I had to go back to UGA to finish school. I majored in English, Vocal Music and History.

Tell us your favorite memory of working there?

I have many, but one of my favorites was during training. My wonderful trainer, John Dalyrimple, brought my soon-to-be best friend Carol and I into the Studios before it opened to the public and let us just wander around. Most folks never get to see how really beautiful the parks are because they are full of people all the time, but when no one is there – they are the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen. (Ed’s Note: Some people have all the luck)

An empty early-morning Magic Kingdom.

Can you share a really bad day at Disney with us?

I didn’t really have one, but I did have to break up a fight between two women in the Special Effects area during one of my tours one day.

The current special effects area of the Backlot tour. They do a really nice job with this I think. Plus, the last time I did it, they had 'Pearl Harbor', 'The Rock' and 'Armageddon' props on display. It was a Michael Bay explosionorama!! Which is to say, Michael Bay. I digress.

Where did you live while in Orlando?

Vista Way, baby!

What was the most interesting or funniest event while you were on the clock?

Watching the tutor try to corral the new Mickey Mouse Club Mouseketeers into their “school” trailer everyday.  They were NOT very nice children. Also, I was part of the first group of people who worked at the Studios, which was very interesting because we were making up a lot of it as we went along.

(Ed’s Note: The 1989 revival of the ‘Mickey Mouse Club’ ran for 7 seasons from 1989 until 1994. Cast members included Christina Aguilera, JC Chasez, Ryan Gosling, Keri Russell, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. Jessica Simpson auditioned, but didn’t make it. The show was shot in Florida at the Studios.)

The New Mickey Mouse Club. Yup, that's Christina Aguilera sitting in the front.

and now Britney, bottom right

Tells us something no one knows about Disney:

At the time that I worked there, Disney was the single biggest employer in the state of Florida – that was why they had the EPCOT Student program, the WDW College program, etc – to bring in extra workers, particularly during their biggest seasons.

As you can see, the extra help is needed from time-to-time.

Did you ever see a celebrity in the parks?

Many – Jodi Benson, Elliott Gould, Bill Murray, Motley Crue, Pat Sajak and Vanna White, plus the Mousketeers including Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera.

I agonized over what picture to use here. But, Elliott Gould just doesn't get enough attention these days, so here he is as Reuben from Ocean's 13.

Jodi Benson is the voice behind Ariel in 'The Little Mermaid', Barbie in 'Toy Story' 2 and 3 and cameoed with other Disney Princesses Paige O'Hara ('Belle' in Beauty and the Beast), Judy Kuhn (Pocahontas) and Julie Andrews (Mary Poppins) in 'Enchanted'.

Would you go back?

In a minute – if I could live on $5 an hour.

Did working for Disney help your career?

I think so, if only because future employers found it very interesting that I had worked there and would call me for an interview just to ask about that.

What, if anything, did you learn from Disney?

I learned that people in large groups do not think very well. (Ed’s Note: Oddly enough, working for a major University teaches the exact same lesson.)

Are you still in contact with Disney co-workers?

Several, especially through Facebook.

How did you share the Disney magic while working in the parks?

Mostly by just being friendly and taking time. The greatest thing about that job was that your employer WANTED you to take time with folks. That is something I do in my job now, and it makes a huge difference in people’s attitudes if they feel like they are getting your whole attention and your time.

If you could change anything about Disney, what would it be?

Reduce the crowds on any given day, but I know they rely on that revenue to keep the lights on.

umm, yeah. Crowds can be an issue.

Are you glad you worked there?

Absolutely – most fun job ever!

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

It is absolutely the perfect job for a college age student – very low stress and a wonderful opportunity!

That's Jennifer towards the back on the right. And yes, we ALL wore acid-wash back then. The sooner we all accept it, the sooner the healing will begin.

 

Thanks so much to Jennifer for taking the time to talk to us! See ya real soon.

New Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Featurette

Some new shots added in this new featurette. Excited yet? Let me know

YouTube – Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides – [Featurette 1].

A day can be made in a moment

Here’s another fantastic interview with a new Bulldawg and former Disney Cast Member. John has been a big supporter of the blog (Thanks John!!) from day one and actually was the very first person on campus to contact me after I put the word out. I don’t think I can say enough good things about him.

John's a baseball fan. Never heard of this team though. Might be minor league?

Tell us about yourself:

My name’s John Cropp. I’m 34 and from Athens, GA by way of New Smyrna Beach, FL by way of Fairfield, CT.

John found Nemo? At Disney circa 1998.

Where are you currently working?

I am a supervisor in the Campus Eateries Retail Operations department of UGA Food Services. I drive a van around campus from the Joe Frank Harris Commons to the little convenience stores to open, close, or otherwise make sure that they have everything they need to serve the staff and students.

How did you end up in Athens?

The plan has always been to go back to school once my detour to Disney was over, but I have found that it gets harder and harder to go back the further out you get. When my wife and I were looking for places to move to soon after we got married, we visited my brother in Athens and fell in love with it. He’d moved here a year or two earlier after visiting his friends who had moved here a year or two before that. The common denominator is New Smyrna Beach, Fla  where about a dozen or so current Athenians lived at one point. (Ed’s Note: I dig Athens too!)

Our fair city...

What’s your favorite Disney park?

The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World

What’s your favorite Disney ride?

Toy Story Mania

Toy Story Mania is Disney's newest attraction at Disney Hollywood Studios. It currently has the longest wait times in the parks.

What’s your favorite Disney food or treat?

The chocolate chip cookies from the Main Street Bake Shop in the Magic Kingdom. (Ed’s Note: Did you know Disney pumps in the smell of cookies and popcorn on Main Street? It’s true. It’s on the internet.)

What’s your favorite Disney souvenir?

Vinylmation Figures. The only one that I have gotten so far looks like a baseball. My wife and I stayed at the Home Run Hotel part of All Star Sports the last time we were down and that seemed like an appropriate momento from the trip.

What is Vinylmation? Vinyl Mickey-shaped figures painted as other Disney characters or objects. This would be from A Nightmare Before Christmas. They are HUGELY popular in the parks.

What’s your favorite Disney movie?

The Lion King

Did you ever see a celebrity in the parks?

I saw Barry Bonds pin trading in front of the Liberty Tree Tavern in the Magic Kingdom.

Remember this guy?

How long did you work at Disney?

Five years, from 1998 until 2003.

Why did you begin working for Disney?

My friend and I went on a whim to an audition at a dance studio on Port Orange, FL where they taught us dance steps, some animation techniques, and some puppeteering techniques and then they ran us through some songs or scenarios and picked their favorites. “Love Shack” was the song that we had to lip-sync to with our hands which was great because I knew it very well and really went overboard on Fred’s parts. I’m pretty sure that I was picked for my willingness to look foolish in front of complete strangers!

I have so many local connections to the B-52s, including family, I wouldn't know where to start. I will say this, overboard? On Fred's parts? Is this possible?

Tell us about your job:

I was a puppeteer at the ‘Legend of the Lion King’ show at the Magic Kingdom and Character Performer across the parks. I worked in the Magic Kingdom mostly. The puppets for the Legend of the Lion King show were life sized mechanical puppets that we either wore as harnesses with the puppet above us controlled by hand mechanisms below or were mounted onto carts and pushed around while operated from below. Cub Simba and Cub Nala were harnesses while Adult Simba and Pumba were on carts. There were also mounted puppets in the prom which was on a large hydraulic lift that doubled as Pride Rock and the romantic scene for “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”

Pumba and Simba puppets

Backstage control board

 

'Legend of the Lion' King cast wall

How the stage was set before the show started

There were seven puppeteer tracks (or roles) and a Rafiki for each show. I did two of the roles and “monkey” (not at the same time) over my four years there. Both of my tracks were relatively easy so it was learning the “monkey” role that sort of kept me at the show full-time.

Rafiki as Rafiki

and John as Rafiki

Outside of ‘Legend of the Lion King’, I was “friends with” Tigger, Eeyore, Geppetto, Br’er Fox, and the Tweedles pretty regularly. Typically, we had a five-day-a-week bid for each season (we were able to pick our schedules based on seniority) and then they’d schedule another day when necessary and that day could pretty much be anywhere in the park (or elsewhere if another park was real short), at anytime, doing anyone in your height range. When the schedules came down from the office (every Tuesday if I remember right), it was a bit like Christmas!

John's 'friend' Tiger and John's family at the Crystal Palace

Not John, but I thought you might want to know what a Tweedle looked like

Why did you leave Disney?

After ‘Legend of the Lion King’ closed in early 2002, I was offered a full-time floor manager position at the Virgin Megastore Orlando in Downtown Disney where I had already been working at as a part-time cashier. After about a year of picking up shifts as an seasonal cast member, I ended up letting my status run out sometime in 2004.

Tell us your favorite memory of working there:

There are so many… probably my favorite memory was New Years Eve 1998 when our manager took all of the late cast performers up on to the roof of the Fantasyland Theater to watch the fireworks. It was very exciting at the time, but looking back I remember that everyone up on the roof that night became pretty close over the next couple of years and we are all still in touch.

I do love fireworks

Also, I’m a huge Glasgow Rangers fan and would often leave work to watch afternoon European Cup games at the Fox and Hounds in Kissimmee. In order to make room in my schedule to do this, I would trade shows with other performers so that I could do two or three shows in a row, get a five hour break to go to the game, do another two or three shows, and go home. In return for trading shows with me, I would go up to the “Inbetween Room” (in between the pre-show stage and main show stage of the Fantasyland Theater), go down some steps, down a hallway, pop out of the door at the back of the bench area in Liberty Square (which is a single door that looks like a double door), and get the performer a delicious chocolate chip cookie from the snack shop (cookies were referred to as “crack” in the greenroom… as testament to their deliciousness and addictive qualities :-)). It was always easy to get someone to trade shows the second time than it was the first!

I still can’t believe that I had a job that enabled me to leave work and watch soccer games on the clock! In the time before cell phones, you were required to be in place for the show but were free to do whatever between shows and since there was no way to contact anyone once they left the green room, you could be in the cafeteria, on Space Mountain, or on the moon and it was all the same.

Share a really bad day at Disney:

The hardest day I had at Disney was performing as a very animated character at Animal Kingdom on a very hot day. There isn’t a breeze at AK because of the vegetation and I wasn’t able to do much more than stand and sign after about ten minutes of the twenty minute sets. It was probably the only time that I felt like I wasn’t physically able to do my job. Thankfully, the skies opened up during my lunch break and we were sent home early (and paid for the rest of the shift!).

Where did you live while in Orlando?

Mostly at Cagan Crossings in Clermont. It was very cheap and the the tenants tended to stay for several years so it was a bit quieter than other apartment complexes.

Tell us a funny work story:

That’s a tough one, too… Cub Simba lip syncing the pre-recorded ‘Due to technical difficulties…’ announcement while sitting on top of Pride Rock at the beginning of a ‘Legend of the Lion King’ show. That was the late great Javier Cruz messing around after a show had been downed due to something mechanical breaking. Management wasn’t happy about it but we all still laugh about it whenever it comes up.

Javier 'Jefe' Cruz

Javier “Jefe” Cruz was one of the most entertaining people that I met at Disney. He worked at LoLK, but would pick up shifts everywhere all week so everyone at the Magic Kingdom knew him. Once a week, he’d come into the greenroom (our breakroom) with a group of newly hired cast members that he met in the tunnel or cafeteria and announce “Jefe Traditions Tour!” and he’d give them a backstage tour of the show. During rehearsals, he’d pull pranks to keep us in good spirits during the late nights. His most popular stunt was running though the pit with his shirt spinning above him. This happened once every set of rehearsals and always when everyone was at their lowest level of patience and energy. He also had catchphrases like “CHICKEN LITTLE!” and “I HATE CHOO!” which he would yell into or out of the breakroom whenever there was a little bit of tension just to lighten the mood.

He usually did track b which started the show on Pride Rock as Cub Simba. Mufasa and Simba rise up so that Mufasa can tell Simba that the kingdom will soon be his which starts he Circle of Life theme of the show. Whenever something broke before or during the show, it would be downed and an automated announcement would play which said something like, “Ladies and gentlemen, due to technical difficulties, this performance of Legend of the Lion King has been delayed/canceled.” As puppeteers, we were instructed to keep the puppets lifelike but not to break character. Well, this time, Pride Rock had risen and Simba and Mufasa were waiting for their lines to play when the announcement played instead. Where Simba should have said, “WOW!” He said, “Ladies and gentlemen…” The stage manager’s mouths dropped and the rest of the cast lost it. It was the funniest of the funny things Javier did in his time at LoLK.

Javier died a year or two after LoLK closed. He was in costume, entertaining fellow parade performers before the start of a parade when he ended up in the wrong place and was pulled under a float. He died doing what he loved to do and what everyone loved about him. Where he could have been standing still, saving his energy, he was instead lifting the spirits of those around him.

Tells us something no one knows about Disney:

That most of the cast members really do enjoy their jobs as much as it looks! The pay’s not great, the hours can be long, and the guests can be tough, but pretty much everyone there is there because they love it.

Would you go back?

If there was a way to commute from Athens, Ga to Walt Disney World in less than an hour, absolutely.

What, if anything, did you learn from Disney:

The idea that every one of the cast of thousands makes a difference every single day and it’s the little details that can make the big picture so great.

Are you still in contact with Disney co-workers?

Yes.

How did you share the Disney magic in the Parks?

Just by knowing my role, staying in character, and paying attention to every single guest. A day can be made in a moment.

If you could change anything about Disney, what would it be?

Personally, I would have liked for them to have relaxed the facial hair ban while I was there.

Are you glad you worked there?

Yes!

Not sure what John's doing here, but it looks important

Anything else you’d like to share?

“You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” – Walt Disney

 

New Fantasyland pics

Just released NEW Fantasyland expansion pics. I will add, wouldn’t a book store be right at home in the Beauty and the Beast section?

Que for the Little Mermaid dark ride. Looks dramatically different than Disneyland's version

Bonjour Village Gifts

Why Disney?

Tomorrowland. My favorite of all the lands. Thanks to Express Monorail on Flickr.

Why indeed?

I went to Walt Disney World for the first time in 1977 with my grandfather, his new wife and her son. I was 7. We drove down in granddaddy’s candy-apple red Lincoln Town Car with a white leather roof. We stayed somewhere in Orlando. There are two things I remember about this trip: I was terrified of the Haunted Mansion; and I thought the Contemporary Hotel was from the future.

We stayed here once. It was delicious.

The next trip was the Summer of ’82 when EPCOT opened. There are two things I remember about this trip: being in awe of Spaceship Earth; and being laughed at by a group of Asian tourists for the shirt I was wearing (this was the 80’s after all, we all had those Japanese character shirts/head bands. Right? Just me?)

You know you totally had one of these back in the day.

Since then, I lived in Southern California for 5 years in the early 90’s where I went to Disneyland as much as possible. Even going on Thanksgiving once, which is still the emptiest I’ve ever seen a park. Mom and I ate corn dogs with Captain Hook and Smee.

Nothing says "Happy Thanksgiving" like a pirate and his fat little sidekick 🙂

We took our daughter for the first time in 2007 with my mom. Flew down, took the Magical Express, stayed at the All Star Music resort. My daughter remembers nothing of that trip. I’ll remember it forever. Since then, my wife and I and our daughter have been back to WDW at least 3 times and Disneyland once. We return in February next year.

I highly recommend this.

So what? You’ve read this far and I’ve made no point. You’re right, but you needed some background first. When I first began to toy with the idea of a Disney blog, it was to showcase some design ideas I had over the year. Stuff I’d like to buy in the parks, but have never seen. That idea grew into talking about things at Disney that you don’t see a lot. Not a critical view so much, but more of a “I did not know that!” angle. Then I found out a high-school classmate worked there after graduation. Then a grad student on campus I was photographing told me she interned there. Then I found out how many people on campus were former cast members. I’m awash in Disney content that no one else covers…

but why?

I adore the Disney parks. I adore most Disney films. I adore a lot of what’s on the Disney Channel. I adore Pixar, the Muppets and Star Wars…I think you see where this going. I love Disney because Disney takes care of everything. They look at all the angles. They talk and test and try and try and try to get it right. If it’s not right, they try harder. Ever been to the bathroom in a Disney park? Ever noticed them before. They’re always clean. ALWAYS. Ever seen a full trash can at Animal Kingdom? Ever not have a question not answered at Hollywood Studios? Ever seen anything broken or not working that wasn’t plainly marked as such? No, you haven’t. Disney takes care of its customers, of which I’m happy to be one.

Not Disney's brightest hour...

Or this. I didn't even like this when they remade it and called it "Avatar"

Here’s a news flash: DISNEY IS EXPENSIVE. It’s true. I know, you try to forget it, but you can’t. Is it too much for the average person? Yes! Is it worth it? Yes! That money buys you an experience you can’t get anywhere else in the world. Full immersion. I know it’s a ‘Disneyfied’ view of the world. Know what? I don’t care. I’ve seen the world. My daughter has seen more of America than a lot of you have. I’m not hiding behind the Disney facade to try and escape the horrors and real-life experiences the world offers. We go to Disney for a break. It’s a true vacation. I don’t have to think, worry, stress, agonize or pull out hair at Disney. I go, get a nice, clean room; eat good food; laugh with my daughter; kiss my wife; hug my mother and smile.

My mom (she's the taller of the two) and my daughter at Hollywood Studios.

Because that’s what Disney is to me…a giant smile. With funnel cakes. And a haunted house.

Yes, this is an actual Disney funnel cake...mmmmmmm, funnel cakes....

What’s your take?

WDW Adventure

Squuueeeee!

This is my first book cover. And it’s on Amazon!! How cool is that?

Front and back. You could've figured that out on your own I suppose...

I owe my new good friend Tracie Cook a world of thanks for allowing me to help her work on her second Disney book. She came to me with the basic idea and I filled in where I thought I could and should. Tracie is an absolute pleasure to work with. Check out her new web site here. She’s also on Twitter and Facebook.