The Kilimanjaro Safari is an attraction at Disney World Orlando’s Animal Kingdom park. Thanks to the hard work of the builders, the actual off-roading adventure looks like a real safari. Apparently, when you’re on the safari ride and the driver instructs you to stay in your seat, they fully mean it.
There’s a certain spot where you drive on a bridge over crocodiles. Drivers are trained to drive away quickly just in case anyone falls in so that other guests aren’t witnesses to what happens next.
Cinderella’s Mansion Has a Secret Suite
The secret suite in Cinderalla's castle was originally reserved for Walt and his family to stay in when they'd come to Disney World. But now, the winners of different Disney contests get to stay in the suite. Can you imagine winning?
It must be the perfect honeymoon spot for a wife who is obsessed with Disney.
A Loudspeaker Announcement is Always Important
Disney has a strict adherence to always keep the music playing. But, when there's an emergency, an exception is made. For example, when a child is lost. If you hear the music stop, you can expect that you are about to hear an important announcement.
A lot of us remember can recall where we were when 9/11 happened. Guests at Disney on that day definitely can’t forget. One former cast member shared that employees were told to close all attractions and get visitors off the premises but not to tell them why. The cast member shared, “By the way, the announcement that was made (over the public address system in the theme parks that morning did NOT mention anything about what had happened or why the parks were closing.” The announcement only sad that because of special circumstances, the Magic Kingdom is closed and that park goers should find the closest Cast Member.
Cast Members Have Three Days To Learn Their Lines
Disney is strict with having everything be top notch perfection. Well, they also demand perfection in a timely manner. The cast member training process includes spending just three days getting every line and action down to exactly as the script states. This sounds like an acting job prepping for filming! It's no wonder why a number of famous actors worked at Disney World prior to becoming actors. The late Robin Williams, Steve Martin, Michelle Pfeiffer, Kevin Costner, and Wayne Brady, just to name a few. One cast member shared what it was like after they were hired to be a costumed character. “Once you are selected, you head to ‘princess school,'” Harris explains. This is where characters go to train and learn their characters' backgrounds, practice the signature, mannerisms, accent, and favorite phrases. As part of her training, Harris watched the Disney version of Alice in Wonderland movie. Once she was cast, she had to watch the movie at least 50 times. This is a lot more than most of us see the average Disney film. Harris had to memorize all of her favorite lines, all of the vivacious characters in Alice’s world, her British accent, and all of her mannerisms.
On top of learning about your character, Cast Members must also all take a class called “Traditions.” This class teaches employees about the history and traditions of Disney and all the theme parks they run. After this class, cast members may continue their training at Disney University. The training facility is even bigger than some community colleges! This is especially cool for Disney employees who missed out on the college experience.
Not Exactly Ratatouille
While kids around the world loved the Disney-Pixar animated film Ratatouille, one park visitor wasn't so thrilled to see a real-life rat in a dining area of Disneyland.
Twitter user @hannaahelisee took a photo of the rodent and posted it on her social media for the whole world to seem with the caption: “pay my college tuition and i’ll delete @Disneyland.” That's a bit ridiculous lady, rats are a part of everyday life and you’re outdoors!