Disney’s Cultural Representative Program is Returning this August

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World Resort in Florida reopened to Guests on July 11, 2020, following a nearly four-month closure in response to the growing coronavirus pandemic.

Since that time, Disney has been following a meticulous plan for a phased reopening that includes the reopening of dining venues, attractions, live entertainment offerings, and more, and Guests are thrilled every time one of their favorite experiences or restaurants reopens. But many Guests have been asking when Disney International Programs will bring back Disney Cultural Representatives.

Disney announced that the Disney Cultural Representative Program will begin a phased return in August 2022, as the program welcomes its first new participants since the closure of its parks. The international program is vital to Disney‘s commitment to diversity, among other things.

Disney‘s Cultural Representatives play a vital role in Disney‘s legacy of storytelling. They help to create experiences for Guests as they draw from their respective countries’ cultures, heritage, and traditions that have inspired Disney Parks Resorts, pavilions, and theme parks.

According to Disney, Guests and Cast Members alike have looked forward to the return of this important program, and Disney has just been waiting for the perfect time to bring it back. As public health continues to improve, and international travel has resumed, the cultural program can be more valuable than ever!

“Right now, we are reaching out to participants from select countries whose program was shortened, canceled, or waitlisted in 2020, as well as those who had an offer and had not yet arrived, and offering them the first opportunity to reapply,” Disney announced in a press release. “We will then invite others to apply soon.”

Cultural Representative Program

Disney says that initial recruitment will begin with cultural representatives for the following countries at EPCOT’s World Showcase: Germany, Norway, Italy, France, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

The Disney College Program Returns to Walt Disney World Resort | Disney Parks Blog

“[The Disney College Program and Disney‘s Cultural Representative Program] provide a great pathway for career development as they offer participants the opportunity to learn, grow and develop and as they stay at Flamingo Crossings Village, a new state-of-the-art housing complex,” the press release from Disney explained.

Drunk couple at Disney dangle their baby over the side of the ride vehicle

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, Uncategorized

Via DisDining.com

Just when we thought we had heard it all, we learn about a couple who visited the parks and endangered the life of their baby, and all in the name of . . . nostalgia?

Millions and millions of Guests make their way through the gates at the theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort in California each and every day of the year. Some are old Guests, some are young Guests, some are in-between Guests. There are short Guests, tall Guests, and . . . the list goes on.

And because so many people visit the Disney Parks every year, it’s not uncommon to hear of some less-than-mature, less-than-appropriate behavior. Despite rules developed by the Walt Disney Company for Guests visiting a Disney property, there seems to be no shortage of Guests whose behaviors at Disney Parks would likely bring shame and embarrassment to their mothers.

We’ve even reported on some of the most dangerous Guest behavior at Disney. Some Guests have tried to bring toy guns into the parks. That may sound harmless to some, but to Disney Security, it’s a problem. There have been incidences of Guests fighting with other Guests, Guests wearing inappropriate clothing in the parks, and Guests arguing with Cast Members who touch their baby’s strollers.

A so-called “urban explorer” was caught by Disney Security and Orange County Sheriff’s Deputies as he was trespassing on the abandoned Discovery Island near Magic Kingdom. (Sadly, it didn’t stop him from continuing to breach the gates at the Walt Disney World Resort and enter backstage areas where no Disney Guest is permitted.)

We’ve even seen and heard reports of Guests base-jumping off of moving ride vehicles to retrieve cell phones near dangerous animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Guests inappropriately touching character Cast Members, and more.

A young Disney Guest once climbed out of the boat at the Splash Mountain attraction at Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort when the boat stopped mid-way through the ride and refused to get back into the boat for an extended period of time.

boy jumps out of splash mountain boat disney

When it comes to the Disney Guest behavior, sometimes we think we’ve heard it all.

But this may be the first report we’ve heard–at least in a while–of Guests misbehaving and endangering the safety and well-being of their own child.

People Magazine published an article titled, “Disney World and Disneyland Employees Share the Craziest Things They’ve Ever Seen at Work,” and the Cast Member communal confessional of things they’ve witnessed while working at the U. S. Disney Parks is astounding. This particular story was terrifying.

Dumbo The Flying Elephant | Walt Disney World Resort

A Cast Member working at the Dumbo the Flying Elephant Attraction shared the experience of witnessing a couple putting the life of their baby in danger. A group of Guests boarded the ride vehicles at the attraction, and it was obvious to Cast Members that they were inebriated. Two of the Guests who were drunk got into the ride vehicle with their infant and buckled their safety belts.

Soon, Dumbo took flight as Cast Members put the ride into operation. Once the couple with the baby was soaring 18 feet off the ground, they unbuckled the safety restraint and suspended the baby mid-air, as though they were re-enacting the first scene from Disney’s The Lion King in which Baby Simba is held up by Rafiki so all at Pride Rock could see him.

Photographer Gets Pic Of Baboon Holding Baby Just Like In The Lion King | iHeart

“While I was working on Dumbo,” the Cast Member explained, “these drunk people removed their infant from the seat belt and held the baby like Simba outside of the carriage while the ride was up 18 feet in the air, so their other drunk friends could take pictures of them doing it. We had to emergency stop the ride. They were escorted away and arrested once outside the park gates. It was very scary to witness.”

Thankfully, Cast Members were extremely attentive, saw the dangerous situation unfolding before them, and immediately stopped the ride before anyone was hurt.

PHOTOS: Storybook Circus 'soft-opens' at Magic Kingdom Park | Disney Parks Blog

The couple was escorted to the front of the park and arrested outside the gates. Thankfully, the baby was unharmed, but it’s truly terrifying to realize what might have happened had the less-than-aware, less-than-responsible Guests been any less aware and less responsible.

Disney Confirms the Return of Minnie Vans

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, Uncategorized

After more than a year of being unavailable, the popular Minnie Van service will be returning to Walt Disney World Resort! The Minnie Vans are an easy way to get anywhere you want to go on Disney property without needing to wait for a bus. The Minnie Vans, in partnership with Lyft, can be ordered simply by opening your app anywhere around the Resort. Minnie Vans can even be ordered to whisk you away on your magical Disney vacation from Orlando International Airport.

Disney Parks shared the news of the exciting return on its official TikTok.

It really works! Minnie Vans connected by @Lyft are rolling back in this #Summer at #DisneyWorld 🚗 #Disney #DisneyParks #MinnieMouse #ToyCars #MinnieVan #CarTok #Water #Lyft

@disneyparks

It really works! Minnie Vans connected by @Lyft are rolling back in this #Summer at #DisneyWorld 🚗 #Disney #DisneyParks #MinnieMouse #ToyCars #MinnieVan #CarTok #Water #Lyft

♬ original sound – Disney Parks

Unfamiliar with Disney’s Minnie Van service? Here’s more information on how it works:

Get around in a jiffy with this new, whimsical personal ride service―just use your smartphone to request a ride.

Need to get to a restaurant reservation at another Disney Resort hotel? How about a relaxing way to get back to your room after a busy day at one of the Walt Disney World theme parks or the Disney Springs area? Minnie Van Service is a great way to get around Walt Disney World Resort quickly and in comfort—all while in a Disney-owned, Disney-operated vehicle.

How It Works
Our Minnie Van service works with the Lyft app. Simply open the Lyft app from anywhere within Walt Disney World Resort to access Minnie Van service, request a ride and pay for it through the app—or call (407) 828-3500 to request an accessible vehicle. Cars are usually minutes away.

To request a ride through the Lyft app:

  • Open the app and select your Walt Disney World destination
  • Confirm your pick-up location and tap “Select Minnie Van”; if Minnie Van service is not the default vehicle type displayed, you will need to swipe through your vehicle options until Minnie Van service is displayed
  • The app will display a map tracking the vehicle en route—along with an identifying vehicle number to help you spot your car

Need an Accessible Vehicle?
Please call a Minnie Van Service Specialist at (407) 828-3500 to request an accessible vehicle. Requests can be made 45 to 60 minutes prior to needing the vehicle. Minnie Van vehicles can accommodate Guests with standard wheelchairs, motorized vehicles and electric conveyance vehicles (ECVs); however, an additional wait time may occur.

Minnie Van

Pricing for Disney’s Minnie Van service while on property will vary depending on where you are and where you want to go. However, if you wish to book the Minnie Van to take you between Orlando International Airport and the Walt Disney Resort, the cost as listed on the Disney website is $155 each way. Gratuity is not included in that price.

Bob Chapek and Bob Iger’s “Tense” Falling Out

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Disney+, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

As the Walt Disney Company and Parks find themselves surrounded by seemingly endless controversy, CEO Bob Chapek maintains the helm of the ship, either successfully making it through the treacherous waves of backlash or going down with the ship.

If you have visited the Disney Parks and Resorts in the last few years or been a part of the Disney community in general you will surely know the name, Bob Chapek. Chapek serves as the company’s current CEO, taking over Bob Iger’s multi-decade tenure in early 2020, perhaps the worst time to take over one o the largest corporations in the world.

The exchange of power between Iger and Chapek was swift and came as a bit of a surprise, especially since Bob Chapek ended his position with the company earlier than expected. Now, as reported by CNBC, the relationship between Chapek and Iger is strained after the two had a falling out.

Of course, some of this can be attributed to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the difficulties it caused. Normal times would have most likely allowed Iger and Chapek to work more closely. Iger and Chapek seemed to be ready for the difficult challenge of dealing with a global pandemic together. Back in 2020 during the Walt Disney Company’s Annual Shareholder meeting, Iger said “I can’t think of a better person to succeed me in this role”. Chapek returned the same optimistic view of the future.

disneyland park gates closed

One month after these positive comments, then-New York Times columnist Ben Smith published a story after reaching Iger by email where Iger told Smith he would stick around to help run the company, saying “A crisis of this magnitude, and its impact on Disney would necessarily result in my actively helping Bob [Chapek] and the company contend with it, particularly since I ran the company for 15 years!”

Allegedly Chapek was furious when he saw the story and comments. He had not expressed a need or desire for extra help and had not asked for any. At this point, Iger had postponed his retirement as Disney CEO three times already and Chapek felt he was essentially doing it again.

Although a joint effort in running a company during a pandemic would certainly help, “the two executives barely spoke to each other” after this. Apparently, Chapek has a small circle of close confidants with whom he makes and discusses major decisions including longtime right-hand man Kareem Daniel, chief of staff Arthur Bochner, and, to some degree, Chief Financial Officer Christine McCarthy, whom Iger promoted to the role in 2015, according to people familiar with the situation.

Former CEO Bob Iger was not so lucky as to be included in this circle. Back in December, Iger threw a little “going away” type of party, inviting over 50 people to his Brentwood home in suburban Los Angeles. Iger spoke about and discussed his time at the company among other matters. Also in attendance was Chapek, but according to sources, there was little interaction between the two men during the event.

Bob Iger (left) and Bob Chapek (right) at Galaxy's Edge

Guests, including veteran Disney executives and television talents such as broadcasters Robin Roberts, David Muir, and Al Michaels were in attendance with Iger and Chapek reportedly sitting at opposite tables. Chapek sat near several of his direct reports, including Daniel. Iger sat next to film director and mogul Steven Spielberg. While Iger spent about 10 minutes publicly praising former colleagues, he barely mentioned Chapek, said the people.

“It was extremely awkward,” said one of the guests, asking to remain anonymous. “The tension was palpable.” According to CNBC, both Iger and Chapek declined to comment on their relationship with each other.

Bob Iger had an accomplished time at the company and any replacement was surely going to have a difficult time replacing him. Iger was beloved by Hollywood and highly respected as a CEO, both by higher-ups and the Disney community in general. Leading the company during the acquisition of Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm also helped solidify Iger as the leader Disney needed at the time.

Chapek, meanwhile, has a harder exterior and at times, according to colleagues, struggles with emotional intelligence — which happens to be Iger’s strength.

disney ceo chapek

St. Patrick’s Day Spin on Disney Parks Tochos Recipe

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Dining

Looking forward to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day? Disney Parks has released a new St. Patrick’s Day recipe for you to enjoy at home

From a Disney Cast Member;

Corned beef is a dish long associated with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in America, and our chefs at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park have created a fun recipe to get your corned beef fix for this Irish holiday.

Our St. Patrick’s Day Reuben Totchos, offered through Mar. 17 at Restaurantosaurus, are crispy potato barrels loaded with cheddar cheese sauce, sautéed corned beef, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, and crunchy rye croutons – yes, please!

Enjoy this easy and delish recipe for St. Patrick’s Day or whenever you want to celebrate the spirit of the Irish.

St. Patrick’s Day Reuben Totchos from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Serves 4-6

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 slices marble rye bread
  • 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
  • 1/4 cup whole grain mustard
  • 1 (2 pound) package frozen potato barrels
  • 1 (15 ounce) jar cheddar cheese sauce
  • 2 cups canned or bagged sauerkraut
  • 1 cup shredded green cabbage
  • 1 pound sliced top round corned beef
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

FOR REUBEN TOTCHOS:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut marble rye bread into 1/4-inch cubes. Place on baking sheet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until toasted. Set aside.
  2. Combine Thousand Island dressing and whole grain mustard in small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Cook frozen potato barrels according to package directions and keep warm until ready to serve.
  4. Heat cheddar cheese sauce in small saucepan over medium-low heat, until warm. Keep warm.
  5. Heat sauerkraut in medium saucepan over medium heat for 8 minutes, until warm. Remove from heat and cool for 3 minutes. If needed, drain any excess liquid. Stir in shredded green cabbage. Set aside.
  6. Slice corned beef into thin strips. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, until hot. Add corned beef and sauté for 3 minutes, until corned beef is warm and edges begin to crisp.
  7. Place potato barrels on large serving dish and cover with warm cheddar cheese sauce. Top with warm corned beef and sauerkraut. Drizzle with Thousand Island dressing. Top with toasted rye bread and sliced green onions.

Note: Always use caution when handling sharp objects and hot contents. Please supervise children who are helping or nearby. This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version.