world showcase

kgmadorin · Post by **kgmadorin** » Apr Mon 25, 2005 10:14 am

Let's not be too hasty with our treatment of Saudi Arabia. After all, if it wasn't for the Saudi royal family, Disneyland Paris would be defunct. From a FoxNews report: "In 1994, two years after the theme park opened and was already plunged into financial chaos, one man saved it. That was Prince Walid bin Talal of Saudi Arabia. His investment, valued at above $24 million, literally saved EuroDisney from closing and created a bond between the Saudi royal family and Disney CEO Michael Eisner that lasts until this day."

mickster68 · Post by **mickster68** » Apr Mon 25, 2005 10:17 am

No kidding. That's really interesting. kgmadorin...I think you are officially the "Cliff Clavin" of Disney information--you're just loaded with all the good stuff!

kgmadorin · Post by **kgmadorin** » Apr Mon 25, 2005 10:29 am

mickster68 wrote:No kidding. That's really interesting. kgmadorin...I think you are officially the "Cliff Clavin" of Disney information--you're just loaded with all the good stuff!

LOL. Thank you very much! I think that's the first time I've ever been compared to Cliff Clavin.

I'm a bit of a Disney history buff. One of the things I used to do as a Guest Relations Cast Member was give 5-hour guided tours of the Magic Kingdom called "Disney's Keys to the Kingdom." We had to brush up on our Disney history and trivia constantly, because we would get asked some of the most obscure things... If you haven't been on that tour and you love WDW and Disney history, you should definitely look into it. Then you can be bored by someone just like me for five straight hours!

G2-4T · Post by **G2-4T** » Apr Mon 25, 2005 9:38 pm

And maybe pester the heck out of you with questions that only crazed Disney freaks, I mean fans, would even think to ask [like why does anyone trust Fox News? Oh wait, that is for another tour...]

Siriuslydead · Post by **Siriuslydead** » Apr Mon 25, 2005 11:00 pm

Do you know if that tour of the Magic Kingdom is still being given? I love WDW and Disney history, and I would definitely love going on the tour. That job must have been fun for you. I would love to do that.

kgmadorin · Post by **kgmadorin** » Apr Tue 26, 2005 9:07 am

Siriuslydead wrote:Do you know if that tour of the Magic Kingdom is still being given? I love WDW and Disney history, and I would definitely love going on the tour. That job must have been fun for you. I would love to do that.

Yeah, I think it's still operating. To find out more information or make reservations, try calling 407-WDW-TOUR.

Giving the tour was one of the most fun responsibilities I had as an MKGR CM. For someone who loves talking "Disney," it was a perfect outlet for all the useless information I have packed away upstairs.

FYI - The avatar I use of the Blaine Gibson sculpture of Roy O. Disney and Minnie mouse located in Town Square was the first and last stop on the tour. I picked it to represent me on these boards because the last stop was always my favorite. It was at that point that I told the legend behind the two statues (that one and the "Partners" statue in the hub), usually putting myself and a great number of the tour guests in tears. (After all, you need to experience the sad part of the movie before getting to the happy ending.) Once I had them all nice and weepy, I'd use that moment to pump them full of every ounce of Disney Magic and happiness I could muster, making THEM the makers of the magic and explaining why they were the real secret of Disney's success. Then, after the grand finale and the hugs and handshakes, I'd send them out into the park with their newfound knowledge, brimming with that unexplainable supercalifragilisticexpialidocious feeling. [sigh] Those were the days.

Siriuslydead · Post by **Siriuslydead** » Apr Tue 26, 2005 10:59 am

Wow, that is really awesome. You almost got me to cry. Thank you for the number, I will be calling about that. You really must have had so much fun on that tour. I really hope I can go on it this November. I'm just wondering, how were you chosen to guide the tour? I plan on working at WDW when I'm older, and would love to have that job.

kgmadorin · Post by **kgmadorin** » Apr Tue 26, 2005 12:03 pm

Siriuslydead wrote: I'm just wondering, how were you chosen to guide the tour? I plan on working at WDW when I'm older, and would love to have that job.

That's great!

Always glad to hear when Disney-philes like myself plan on putting their passion to good use.

The road to becoming a Magic Kingdom Tour Guide begins with working as a full-time Cast Member at Walt Disney World. Once you have earned your one year service pin, then you can apply for a position with Magic Kingdom Guest Relations. After working in MKGR for 90 days, you can audition to become a Tour Guide. We used to hold tryouts 2-3 time per year. The greatest thing about being in MKGR was the variety--almost every day I had a different role to play. Some days I worked in City Hall, some at the Guest Relations window at the front gate, some at the Tipboard, some giving tours, etc., etc.

Anyway, best of luck to you! I certainly encourage anyone who loves WDW (and has the opportunity and the time) to work as a Cast Member. There are plenty of seasonal positions available each year, allowing you to work at WDW for a few weeks or months during a peak season. Your experience working for the mouse will definitely give you a new perspective.

Now, to get this forum back on topic... Hey, does anyone else think that the living statues in World Showcase are neat-o? The first time I saw them I was absolutely astonished. And what a draw! The audience for those shows are huge. I could easily kill 30 minutes watching their antics. [:? back on track?]

G2-4T · Post by **G2-4T** » Apr Tue 26, 2005 9:51 pm

Back on track [sort of] - I only have seen the Italian ones once but it was most entertaining! Speaking of WS entertainment - anyone remember the Junkaroo band? That would be a great musical addition to have on the radio here if it is out there...

kgmadorin · Post by **kgmadorin** » Apr Wed 27, 2005 7:31 am

Arrrgggghhh! Once again, Disney has cut entertainment that I really enjoyed. See the following news brief regarding the living statues I mentioned above:

"It appears that Andy Mation (the balloon artist at the Disney–MGM Studios) and Imaginum (the “living statues” at Epcot) have joined the ranks of in–park entertainers whose contracts were not renewed."

I just hope they have found something better. Next time I visit Epcot, I will not be a happy camper if they've removed the statues and have no entertainment replacement.

Post by **js3901** » Apr Wed 27, 2005 8:14 am

I thought that the "living statues" are part of France and as such are not part of the "in-park" roving entertainers. I could be (and probably am) wrong, or just very confused...

kgmadorin · Post by **kgmadorin** » Apr Wed 27, 2005 8:44 am

js3901 wrote:I thought that the "living statues" are part of France and as such are not part of the "in-park" roving entertainers. I could be (and probably am) wrong, or just very confused...

Many entertainment cast members at Walt Disney World are hired on an annual basis. Their contract is renegotiated each year, giving Disney the opportunity to pass on hiring them for a return engagement. Based on the information above (that the contract for the living statues has not been renewed), I would assume that means you will not see them in France during your next visit.

rcpratt3 · Post by **rcpratt3** » May Mon 09, 2005 9:55 am

I also had a Cast Member tell me they were think of an African pavillion, but that was before AK opened.

Blackie Pueblo · Post by **Blackie Pueblo** » Oct Fri 07, 2005 4:14 pm

Well, there is a lot of talk about adding countries to the World Showcase but what about improving the countries that are there now? I've heard talk about maybe adding rides to some countries. I heard one person say they should add more to the UK area, because England is not that boring. LOL.

Blackie Pueblo

Fidget1234 · Post by **Fidget1234** » Oct Fri 07, 2005 4:31 pm

rcpratt3 wrote:I also had a Cast Member tell me they were think of an African pavillion, but that was before AK opened.

Epcot KINDA has a small african stop over the bridge on your way to germany... but it's not much.

Terk, Jane, & Rafiki are there for character meet & greet sometimes.

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