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EricaAlt
LIF Adult
Member since 7/08 22665 total posts
Name:
Erica
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Underground Disney and employees
Ok, so since going to Disney I've been interested in what it's like to be an employee at Disney World. Some of the stuff I google is funny and weird. They all have to look a certain way, no facial hair or crazy color hair so you stay focused on the attractions and not the "cast members." Also, the work they go through to learn how to be a character and sign the same. Even pointing with 2 fingers not to offend foreign guests visiting. My fav is learning about the underground tunnel. From what I read it really is considered the "1st" floor and Disney was build above it. Fantasy Land is the highest level which is why you can see the castle even though it's really not that big. Just built to look big and make it smaller as it goes higher.
Anyone know any good facts or used to work there?
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Posted 10/28/13 10:41 AM  |
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Eunyboo
<3
Member since 7/12 4376 total posts
Name:
E
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Re: Underground Disney and employees
A friend's little brother did the internship program there. He said it was funny to see Cinderella smoking and cursing before she got dressed up. LOL
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| Posted 10/28/13 10:46 AM |
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MrsA714
Baby #2 is here!
Member since 8/07 8806 total posts
Name:
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Re: Underground Disney and employees
I also read about the 'underground' tunnel as well and thought that was pretty cool. My brother's ex actually worked there for many years (she was Minnie Mouse). They are still close...maybe I can get the inside scoop from her 
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| Posted 10/28/13 10:49 AM |
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EricaAlt
LIF Adult
Member since 7/08 22665 total posts
Name:
Erica
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Re: Underground Disney and employees
Posted by MrsA714
I also read about the 'underground' tunnel as well and thought that was pretty cool. My brother's ex actually worked there for many years (she was Minnie Mouse). They are still close...maybe I can get the inside scoop from her
I just keep thinking... It's gotta be hot in there! I was so hot in shorts and a tank top.
I also remember reading the underground tunnel is also to keep employees from different areas away from each other. Like he didn't want to see a Frontier employee dressed from the old days walking through Tomorrow Land.
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| Posted 10/28/13 10:55 AM |
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Deeluvsvinny
DONE
Member since 10/08 4952 total posts
Name:
Whatever
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Underground Disney and employees
I know someone who made a documentary about the underground world of Disney. I have to find out the name- it was years ago.
One thing I remembered was this story. A child wandered from his parents and they obviously became frantic the minute they realized he was gone. Immediately, cast members wisked them away. They were yelling "we have to find our son" and they brought them into a room full of TV screens. Funny thing was...the scenes on the screen were all of the ground. They asked the parents- "What shoes was he wearing" and by that, he was found within minutes. Apparently, there are cameras at ground level all over. Their thought is (& this is creepy, but genius) is that disney could be a kipnapper/predator's paradise- and they could easily grab a kid, drag them into a bathroom, put a hat on them, change their shirt and everyone would be looking for them and they could easily get away because they've changed....but it's hard to change a kids shoes- get the right size, etc. Also, most kidnappers would not think of this.
They really thought of everything!
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| Posted 10/28/13 11:06 AM |
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lilqtny
-Crossfit & pitbull addict
Member since 7/06 2830 total posts
Name:
Tracy
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Re: Underground Disney and employees
Posted by Deeluvsvinny
I know someone who made a documentary about the underground world of Disney. I have to find out the name- it was years ago.
One thing I remembered was this story. A child wandered from his parents and they obviously became frantic the minute they realized he was gone. Immediately, cast members wisked them away. They were yelling "we have to find our son" and they brought them into a room full of TV screens. Funny thing was...the scenes on the screen were all of the ground. They asked the parents- "What shoes was he wearing" and by that, he was found within minutes. Apparently, there are cameras at ground level all over. Their thought is (& this is creepy, but genius) is that disney could be a kipnapper/predator's paradise- and they could easily grab a kid, drag them into a bathroom, put a hat on them, change their shirt and everyone would be looking for them and they could easily get away because they've changed....but it's hard to change a kids shoes- get the right size, etc. Also, most kidnappers would not think of this.
They really thought of everything!
My adult cousin was there with her family when a girl was snatched. She was taken into the rest room. The man shaved off her hair and dressed her like a boy.
The store they were in at the time immediately went into a lockdown mode. All entrances were locked and they found her. But they have an intense security system in place and have thought everything through.
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| Posted 10/28/13 11:26 AM |
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Jonsgirl04
Love my two girls! xoxo
Member since 9/08 6079 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: Underground Disney and employees
Posted by lilqtny
Posted by Deeluvsvinny
I know someone who made a documentary about the underground world of Disney. I have to find out the name- it was years ago.
One thing I remembered was this story. A child wandered from his parents and they obviously became frantic the minute they realized he was gone. Immediately, cast members wisked them away. They were yelling "we have to find our son" and they brought them into a room full of TV screens. Funny thing was...the scenes on the screen were all of the ground. They asked the parents- "What shoes was he wearing" and by that, he was found within minutes. Apparently, there are cameras at ground level all over. Their thought is (& this is creepy, but genius) is that disney could be a kipnapper/predator's paradise- and they could easily grab a kid, drag them into a bathroom, put a hat on them, change their shirt and everyone would be looking for them and they could easily get away because they've changed....but it's hard to change a kids shoes- get the right size, etc. Also, most kidnappers would not think of this.
They really thought of everything!
My adult cousin was there with her family when a girl was snatched. She was taken into the rest room. The man shaved off her hair and dressed her like a boy.
The store they were in at the time immediately went into a lockdown mode. All entrances were locked and they found her. But they have an intense security system in place and have thought everything through.
OMG!! Shaved off her hair!! Kidnappers are crazy!!  Thank god they found her!
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| Posted 10/28/13 11:41 AM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Underground Disney and employees
Posted by lilqtny
Posted by Deeluvsvinny
I know someone who made a documentary about the underground world of Disney. I have to find out the name- it was years ago.
One thing I remembered was this story. A child wandered from his parents and they obviously became frantic the minute they realized he was gone. Immediately, cast members wisked them away. They were yelling "we have to find our son" and they brought them into a room full of TV screens. Funny thing was...the scenes on the screen were all of the ground. They asked the parents- "What shoes was he wearing" and by that, he was found within minutes. Apparently, there are cameras at ground level all over. Their thought is (& this is creepy, but genius) is that disney could be a kipnapper/predator's paradise- and they could easily grab a kid, drag them into a bathroom, put a hat on them, change their shirt and everyone would be looking for them and they could easily get away because they've changed....but it's hard to change a kids shoes- get the right size, etc. Also, most kidnappers would not think of this.
They really thought of everything!
My adult cousin was there with her family when a girl was snatched. She was taken into the rest room. The man shaved off her hair and dressed her like a boy.
The store they were in at the time immediately went into a lockdown mode. All entrances were locked and they found her. But they have an intense security system in place and have thought everything through.
I really find this so bizarre. Especially since if you have ever been in a Disney bathroom, you know they are usually PACKED.
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| Posted 10/28/13 12:04 PM |
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Bluechristmas
LIF Adolescent
Member since 12/09 595 total posts
Name:
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Re: Underground Disney and employees
There is a behind the scenes tour, Keys to the Kingdom. DH and I did pre-DC and loved it!
It was a lot of walking and a full day, but we got a very nice lunch. We went "underground" and saw behind the scenes at the parade staging area, Pirates and Haunted Mansiom. It was well worth it and we still talk about it!
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| Posted 10/28/13 12:13 PM |
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amac27
LIF Toddler
Member since 8/09 471 total posts
Name:
A
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Re: Underground Disney and employees
I did the Disney College Internship Program in 2001. It was an amazing experience, but they are super intense. As soon as you arrive, they inspect your appearance. If they find your hair color too bizarre or it looks too highlighted, you are given 24 hours to fix it or you are sent home. We were also given a booklet on how to apply our makeup and different checkpoints of personal hygiene (apparently they have had employees in the past who has trouble with deodorant/showering).
A lot of people were fired within the first month. Disney is VERY strict about punctuality, rules, etc. Basically, it was 3 strikes and you are out. If you are under 21, there was to be absolutely NO ALCOHOL in your apartment and if you were caught, you were fired.
It was actually considered a big deal to finish the program since so many people were fired before the end of their internship!
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| Posted 10/28/13 12:17 PM |
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moonmist09
Thank you, St. Gerard!
Member since 2/11 5043 total posts
Name:
Antonella
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Re: Underground Disney and employees
Posted by Deeluvsvinny
I know someone who made a documentary about the underground world of Disney. I have to find out the name- it was years ago.
One thing I remembered was this story. A child wandered from his parents and they obviously became frantic the minute they realized he was gone. Immediately, cast members wisked them away. They were yelling "we have to find our son" and they brought them into a room full of TV screens. Funny thing was...the scenes on the screen were all of the ground. They asked the parents- "What shoes was he wearing" and by that, he was found within minutes. Apparently, there are cameras at ground level all over. Their thought is (& this is creepy, but genius) is that disney could be a kipnapper/predator's paradise- and they could easily grab a kid, drag them into a bathroom, put a hat on them, change their shirt and everyone would be looking for them and they could easily get away because they've changed....but it's hard to change a kids shoes- get the right size, etc. Also, most kidnappers would not think of this.
They really thought of everything!
this is amazing, and one of the many reasons why i LOVE disney!
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| Posted 10/28/13 12:28 PM |
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Nifheim
allo
Member since 1/09 5476 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Underground Disney and employees
they don't pay well but it's one of the few jobs you can get down there for a while (not so much anymore since florida has insanely grown in 15 years.) strict - absolutely no ******** allowed on the job.
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| Posted 10/28/13 1:16 PM |
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Mill188
LIF Adult
Member since 3/09 3073 total posts
Name:
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Re: Underground Disney and employees
Both SIL and BIL are in management positions at Disney and one of our friends daughter's just finished the college program.
We've gotten to go "behind the scenes" and underground quite a few times. It's really an amazing place. I don't really like going behind the scenes so much because I feel like it ruins some of the magic for me. DH loves it.
Some things I find a little fascinating: It doesn't matter if you're a lower level employee or top management, you MUST wear your name tag if you're working (unless you are a character) - and your hair cannot cover your name tag or you can be written up. No nail polish (except super sheer light colors). No facial hair, visible tattoos or dangly earrings. Oh and I feel bad for my sister in law on this one - no open toe shoes at all and panty hose at all times if wearing a skirt or dress - even in the FL summer!!
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| Posted 10/28/13 1:51 PM |
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halfbaked
LIF Adult
Member since 8/12 6937 total posts
Name:
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Re: Underground Disney and employees
Posted by Bluechristmas
There is a behind the scenes tour, Keys to the Kingdom. DH and I did pre-DC and loved it!
It was a lot of walking and a full day, but we got a very nice lunch. We went "underground" and saw behind the scenes at the parade staging area, Pirates and Haunted Mansiom. It was well worth it and we still talk about it!
Wow. That sounds pricey! lol! But what an experience. I would LOVE to do it.
ETA: All these stories are fascinating!! My sister was interested in doing the college program, but ultimately decided not to. I'm kinda glad she didn't- I don't think she would've lasted. Not that she's a bad kid or worker or anything, but she has long gorgeous hair and loves her nailpolish and dangly earrings.
Message edited 10/28/2013 2:14:39 PM.
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| Posted 10/28/13 2:13 PM |
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Mere09
So Dam* Lucky
Member since 10/08 6368 total posts
Name:
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Re: Underground Disney and employees
This is all so fascinating!
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| Posted 10/28/13 3:41 PM |
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KMCGK
Gotta have faith
Member since 7/09 2176 total posts
Name:
Keep the Faith
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Re: Underground Disney and employees
Posted by amac27
I did the Disney College Internship Program in 2001. It was an amazing experience, but they are super intense. As soon as you arrive, they inspect your appearance. If they find your hair color too bizarre or it looks too highlighted, you are given 24 hours to fix it or you are sent home. We were also given a booklet on how to apply our makeup and different checkpoints of personal hygiene (apparently they have had employees in the past who has trouble with deodorant/showering).
A lot of people were fired within the first month. Disney is VERY strict about punctuality, rules, etc. Basically, it was 3 strikes and you are out. If you are under 21, there was to be absolutely NO ALCOHOL in your apartment and if you were caught, you were fired.
It was actually considered a big deal to finish the program since so many people were fired before the end of their internship!
I was set to do the program too!! Fall of 2001. Unfortunately, my father passed away so I didn't go but I was so excited. I was put in food service/concession.
I'm not sure if this is true but I did hear a story that there was a most wanted terrorist (not sure of nationality) that was visiting Disney World with his family and was captured by FBI without a hitch. Supposedly what alerted authorities was his finger prints? Do they scan your thumb? I don't recall. Then basically followed him underground by his shoes, foot prints?
I don't know. Sounds cool to me, maybe ill google it!
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| Posted 10/28/13 4:13 PM |
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Underground Disney and employees
They can't accept tips at all and if they do - they can be fired.
I unknowingly put a worker in a bad situation. DS had puked allllllllll over the place and his stroller. It was awful. Worker came and kindly helped cleaned the stroller. I felt so bad - he didn't have to (I had just asked for paper towels to do it myself) and he did it all. I went to tip him and he turned white. I kept insisting he take it until he told me that he can't accept tips at all. I could tell he was stuck in a place of wanting to please me by accepting the tip and also worried he'd get caught. I eventually understood. But I did see what looked like a manager come up to him after.
I felt awful putting him in that situation but I had no idea!
Also - I hear tinker bell is weighed every night before she takes flight. She has to be a certain weight to fly
Characters study the autographs. The goal is to always have mickeys (or whoever) signature be the same time and time again. Like a continuity thing.
Message edited 10/28/2013 8:42:01 PM.
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| Posted 10/28/13 5:42 PM |
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Serendipity
Summer!
Member since 4/07 7631 total posts
Name:
PrayingWishingHopingALOT
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Underground Disney and employees
Oh! I love this thread. I don't have any interesting facts to add but I'd love to hear more :)
I never knew about the underground.
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| Posted 10/28/13 6:20 PM |
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EricaAlt
LIF Adult
Member since 7/08 22665 total posts
Name:
Erica
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Re: Underground Disney and employees
Posted by Serendipity
Oh! I love this thread. I don't have any interesting facts to add but I'd love to hear more :)
I never knew about the underground.
I know! That's why I started it. I got interested when I was there so figured I'd ask what others know.
LOL
This is too funny...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ib9w1fi4wdc
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| Posted 10/28/13 6:30 PM |
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sfp0701
Liam's Mommy!
Member since 1/07 9764 total posts
Name:
Tricia
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Re: Underground Disney and employees
When we were in HS we went to Disney with the band. We had a "Music Days" thing where we got to work with Disney conductors and worked all day to play a Disney piece. Then we marched in the parade and played one of our own songs. I don't remember much about the behind the scenes (we saw a lot of it) but, I do remember lining up for the parade and being a bit horrified. All the characters were catcalling each other and acting all normal and then they went out and were instantly characters
ETA: I am pretty sure we weren't allowed to take pictures because I have NONE of that day.
Message edited 10/28/2013 7:23:31 PM.
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| Posted 10/28/13 7:22 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Underground Disney and employees
Posted by KMCGK
Posted by amac27
I did the Disney College Internship Program in 2001. It was an amazing experience, but they are super intense. As soon as you arrive, they inspect your appearance. If they find your hair color too bizarre or it looks too highlighted, you are given 24 hours to fix it or you are sent home. We were also given a booklet on how to apply our makeup and different checkpoints of personal hygiene (apparently they have had employees in the past who has trouble with deodorant/showering).
A lot of people were fired within the first month. Disney is VERY strict about punctuality, rules, etc. Basically, it was 3 strikes and you are out. If you are under 21, there was to be absolutely NO ALCOHOL in your apartment and if you were caught, you were fired.
It was actually considered a big deal to finish the program since so many people were fired before the end of their internship!
I was set to do the program too!! Fall of 2001. Unfortunately, my father passed away so I didn't go but I was so excited. I was put in food service/concession.
I'm not sure if this is true but I did hear a story that there was a most wanted terrorist (not sure of nationality) that was visiting Disney World with his family and was captured by FBI without a hitch. Supposedly what alerted authorities was his finger prints? Do they scan your thumb? I don't recall. Then basically followed him underground by his shoes, foot prints?
I don't know. Sounds cool to me, maybe ill google it!
They use biometrics that measure the shape of your finger, not your actual fingerprints. That story sounds like it's probably on Snopes
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| Posted 10/28/13 7:23 PM |
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Mill188
LIF Adult
Member since 3/09 3073 total posts
Name:
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Re: Underground Disney and employees
You are not allowed to take pictures in the underground area.
Here's another tidbit - all full time (and college program) employees get free gate passes and discounts. However, the discounts vary by work department, length of employment and time of year. Also a castmember can be fired on the spot for using their discount for someone else. If we want SIL to use her discount on something for us, we have to give her the cash before we step into the parks and it must be a "gift" from her.
Also disney employeeschave acess to an online store where overstock or discontinued merchandise is sold.
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| Posted 10/28/13 8:32 PM |
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Laura1976
Member since 5/05 5754 total posts
Name:
Laura
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Re: Underground Disney and employees
I think I read once that Mickey Mouse is usually a female because the height requirement is 5 foot 4.
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| Posted 10/28/13 10:56 PM |
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MrsP6311
LIF Toddler
Member since 6/11 494 total posts
Name:
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Re: Underground Disney and employees
My cousin attends RIT and has done 2 Disney internships/coops in the last year in the mechanical engineering department. His internship this summer was in the tunnels and he was not allowed to really speak about what he did. Sorta like top secret stuff. Also I believe the characters have to remain in character while in costume.
He has wanted to work at Disney since he was 4 years old. He applied for another year long internship for after he graduates in May. Disney loves to hire from
Their internship programs and from what his boss told him the only way to really get a full time job is to complete the 1 year internship program post grad. Sooo he should know if he's accepted again soon. It's crazy how many kids apply and he was already blessed enough to have 2 internships/coops. Fingers and toes crossed as I've never seen a 22 year old more determined.
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| Posted 10/29/13 12:10 AM |
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Re: Underground Disney and employees
A guy I grew up with fulfilled his dream of being a Disney character. He got the job right after college and I can't remember whether he stayed for 1 year or 2. He had always been involved in theatre and I think that was a big part of his hiring. One night a few years after he got back to NY, a bunch of us went out and he told some funny stories. I remember one story about someone not having the whole costume on & getting into an elevator and the door opened too soon at a restaurant. They were strict and that was a huge issue. After this friend got back to NY he would get called to play characters at store openings in malls or for events in Times Square. It makes sense that they called people who were trained and worked at Disney. He still enjoyed it even then.
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| Posted 10/29/13 2:14 AM |
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