Ask A Cast Member (1): Gators In Splash Mountain

As mentioned in a previous post, I'm starting a new series called Ask a Cast Member. So today I'm answering one of my first questions. And this one is a doozy:

Question: Is it true there are alligators in Splash Mountain?

Answer: Yes. Haven't you ever been on Splash Mountain? Look, I'll show you:

I couldn't resist, the setup was too easy.

In all seriousness though, the answer to this "urban legend" appears to be yes. Although I never saw a gator in Splash Mountain myself (I did see one in a water hazard at a Disney golf course though) there are YouTube videos of gators in various water habitats throughout the park, such as this one. Before you get all freaked out though, it appears as though this fairly young alligator was in the swampy water that surrounds the ride, and not the actual ride flume itself. Chances are the waters of Splash Mountain are a tad too chlorinated for a gator to be happy for an extended period of time. Nevertheless, make sure when they tell you to keep your hands and arms inside the log, you pay attention. You never know, after all...

Since a lot of the area around the Disney parks in Florida is undeveloped, there is a sizable wildlife population there (and I'm not talking about the wildlife who live at Animal Kingdom). You're going to encounter lots of birds, lizards, and squirrels. We even had a stray cat wander through backstage every once in a while.

Probably the most "wild" animals that I came in contact with at the park were a male and two female mallard ducks who made their home in the Fantasmic pond. We always wondered where they went during the show (since there's lots of boat, fire, and pyrotechnics going on), but in the few hours before the show actually started they were there pretty regular. About May a group of ducklings even showed up. Although there were originally 3 ducklings, after about two weeks, only one was around regularly paddling away after it's mother.

My fellow cast members named it Leroy. Of course, once Leroy's adult feathers started coming in it was apparent that Leroy was actually a female mallard. Oops!

And this concludes my first Ask a Cast Member feature. If you have your own Disney-related question, submit it using this form.

Have a Disney-related question about the parks, movies, or even about me? Check out the Ask A Cast Member feature and send in your questions!

An Announcement and a New Feature

So if you're coming here after visiting my other blog, The Shady Glade, then I assume you've been made aware of some news that's going on around here lately.

And if not, well, you're about to be enlightened.

I've been invited back to work at Walt Disney World this summer for a special alumni summer program to follow up my college program completed in 2008. I'm really excited for this opportunity to go back to the WDW Resort, as I had a blast (and worked really hard) when I was there before.**

So now that that's out of the way, here's the new feature. To celebrate the countdown to my departure for sunny Florida in May, I'm starting a new feature, Ask a Cast Member. Now, I know some of you have been to at least one Disney park before, and I'm sure you've had questions about the parks, whether it's how popular something is, the best time to go, the greatest ride, and maybe some behind the scenes stuff.

As a former (and soon-to-be) Cast Member, I have answers about a lot of that kind of stuff. So lay your questions on me. I'll post a question or two every once in awhile with my answer.

Of course, I can't answer everything, since some things are trade secrets. But if I can answer, I will. So you can ask me anything you want about the Disney parks (I know a lot of stuff about Disneyland too), behind the scenes stuff, my personal favorites, Disney myths, anything you want to know. And if I don't know the answer, I'll find out for you.

So got a question yet? Just use this form to submit it.

And please submit it if you have something. Otherwise I'm like the awkward author doing a book signing who only gets asked questions about where the bathroom is...

**If you want to read about my experiences from my original college program just scroll down to the archives in the sidebar and check out my posts from April 2008 to August 2008.

Have a Disney-related question about the parks, movies, or even about me? Check out the Ask A Cast Member feature and send in your questions!

New Alice in Wonderland Trailer

Okay, so the first trailer was pretty cool, but this:



This is pretty much awesome. I love how we get a lot more of the story in this one. As you can see, this isn't so much a retelling of Alice in Wonderland as it is a sequel.

Do we really have to wait until March?

Have a Disney-related question about the parks, movies, or even about me? Check out the Ask A Cast Member feature and send in your questions!

Haunted Mansion Holiday

As part of my Disney Christmas tribute on my other blog (The Shady Glade) I am presenting a virtual tour of Haunted Mansion Holiday as seen at the Disneyland Resort. Here you'll see most of the narration from the ride as well as corresponding pictures. I hope you enjoy!

'Twas a long time ago
Longer now than it seems
In a place that perhaps
That you've seen in your dreams.
For the story that you are about to be told
Began with the holiday worlds of old.

I know you're curious
To see what's inside.
It's what happens
When two holidays collide.

Welcome, my friends, to our Christmas Delight.
Come witness a ghoulishly glorious sight.
It's time for our holiday tale to begin
There's no turning back now
Please, come all the way in.

Our holiday tale, is a tale that's quite charming
But during this season, it's sometimes alarming.
So relax and reflect, feel free to take pause
While we tell you the tale about dear Sandy Claws

'Twas the nightmare before Christmas and all through the house,
Not a creature was peaceful, not even a mouse.
The stockings, all hung by the chimney with care,
When opened that morning would cause such a scare!
The children nestled all snug in their beds,
Would have nightmares of monsters and skeleton heads!

Now hurry along
As they say, "Look alive."
This is one holiday you will want to survive.

Jack Skellington came here from Halloween Town,
You'll notice his handiwork scattered around.
This year he's decided to play "Sandy Claws,"
But when Halloween creates Christmas you might see some flaws.

Yes, down through the chimney Jack flew like a bat,
Clutching his magical "Sandy Claws" sack.
He ripped open the sack and, in moments it seems,
Created a Christmas you have in bad dreams.

More rapid than vultures, the Mansion was changed,
All was soon covered, adorned and deranged.
And what to your wondering eyes disappears,
It's Jack's little friend Zero - the Ghost Dog Reindeer!

Nothing here was forgotten, it all looks so pleasant,
A coffin, Jack says, makes a fine Christmas present.
A man-eating plant makes a wonderful wreath
As long as you don't get caught in its teeth.

Madame Leota:
On the Thirteenth day of Christmas, My Ghoul love gave to me
13 Rings of Power, Embracing Strength that never ends.
12 Signs of the Zodiac, that Rule the Future and Transcend.
11 Candles Floating, their Scent of Mystery in the Air.
10 Telling Tea Leaves, that Swirled with Secrets yet to Share.

On the Ninth day of Christmas, My Ghoul love gave to me:
9 Magic Crystals, that Sparkled with a force that is Pure.
8 Balls of Knowledge, that answer with a truth that is Sure.
7 Pearls of Wisdom, to keep my Love Bewitched to me.
6 Mystic Mirrors, Reflecting futures yet to be.

On the Fifth day of Christmas, My Ghoul love gave to me:
5 Lucky Charms, to Understand the Right from Wrong.
4 Wheels of Fortune, To Spin their Rich and Golden Song.
3 Life Lines, Extending help to those in need.
2 Passion Potions, That Love and Romance may Succeed.
On the First day of Christmas, My Ghoul love gave to me:
A Star! a Brilliant Star for my Fortune Card Tree!

With some treats and some games, you can make a scene merry,
Why, even a gingerbread house could be scary.
All at once, happy haunts did materialize,
Like a nightmarish painting by Currier & Ives.

A bag full of toys Jack had slung on his back,
They were strange and bizarre - and on the attack!

"Sandy Claws" worked his magic, both outside and in,
But one final touch made his bony face grin.
"Now what better gift on my friends to bestow,
Than a graveyard that's covered in ghostly white snow!"

Graveyard Ghosts:
Boo! Boo! What's this?

We wish you a scary Christmas,
We wish you a scary Christmas,
We wish you a scary Christmas,
And a haunted New Year!
Boo! Boo!

Ho, ho, ho! Ho, ho, ho!

Grim Grinning Ghosts Come Out To Socialize!

What's this? What's this? What's this?
Jolly dear old Sandy Claws,
While the graveyard sleeps,
Down the chimney dark and damp,
With your sack of creeps,
Happy haunts materialize,
For a swinging wake,
Glowing pumpkins harmonize,
Joyful screams we'll make!

Ho, ho, ho! Ho, ho, ho!

Oogie Boogie:
Welcome to Oogie's holiday tricks and treats.
Round and round she goes. What's your gift? Oogie knows! Ha, ha, ha, ha!
Are you getting a trick, or a treat?
Isn't this fun? I can't wait to see what you get.
It's gift giving time! You get what you get. Ha, ha, ha, ha!
Have I got a present for you! It's all good here.
Sugar and spice, naughty and nice. Have you been naughty or nice?

Sally:
Hurry Back, Hurry Back...

Oogie Boogie:
Hurry back, hurry back. Ha, ha, ha, ha!
Be sure to bring your gift certificate! Ha, ha, ha, ha!
Season's Screamings everyone. Ha, ha, ha, ha!

Sally:
Hurry Back, Hurry Back...

Oogie Boogie:
Don't let the tombstone hit you on the way out!
I've got plenty more tricks and treats in store for your next visit.

Sally:
Hurry Back, Hurry Back...

Thanks to this website for providing the pictures!

Have a Disney-related question about the parks, movies, or even about me? Check out the Ask A Cast Member feature and send in your questions!

No Royal Rebels today

So you may have noticed there isn't a Royal Rebels today. Well, the reason is because there aren't any more! I've caught up to the author at this point. So RR is going on hiatus until more are created. I hoped you enjoyed them!

I know I've neglected this blog very badly in favor of my other project, The Shady Glade. So I'm still going to try and post once a week, but we'll see how things go. Of course, I have a million posts planned for this blog, but things like work get in the way. I don't want to abandon it completely though, so I will still try to post something every once in a while.

Anyway, see you around!

Have a Disney-related question about the parks, movies, or even about me? Check out the Ask A Cast Member feature and send in your questions!

Royal Rebels 20

Episode 20: Ariel is Missing
(Note: In order to increase the speed at which this comic is published, the artist, Valerie Flynn, has switched to a sketched version for all future episodes)
(Click image for a larger view)

Ariel can't still be mad that Tinker Bell took over her garden? Can she? Only the next episode will tell!

Royal Rebels: Ariel is Missing is reprinted with permission. Royal Rebels is completely owned and created by Valerie Flynn. To see more of her work, you can visit her at her website, Valerie Gallery.

Need to catch up?
Episode 1: Un-Faire
Episode 2: The Plot
Episode 3: Great Escape
Episode 4: Fantasyland
Episode 5: Rides at Fantasyland
Episode 6: The Map
Episode 7: Adventureland
Episode 8: In Line For Indy
Episode 9: The Eye of the Idol
Episode 10: Tarzan's Treehouse
Episode 11: Talking With Animals
Episode 12: Red is Your Color
Episode 13: You Can Do That?
Episode 14: SHOPPING
Episode 15: New Looks
Episode 16: What are you Wearing?
Episode 17: One Song
Episode 18: First Time Guest
Episode 19: Musical Chair Deathmatch

Have a Disney-related question about the parks, movies, or even about me? Check out the Ask A Cast Member feature and send in your questions!

Royal Rebels 19

Episode 19: Musical Chair Deathmatch
(Click image for a larger view)

Hmmm... it seems the princesses are quite competitive. Chairs along Main Street can be quite scarce. Aurora's quite smug about getting a chair. I wonder who will win? Come back next week!

Royal Rebels: Musical Chair Deathmatch is reprinted with permission. Royal Rebels is completely owned and created by Valerie Flynn. To see more of her work, you can visit her at her website, Valerie Gallery.

Need to catch up?
Episode 1: Un-Faire
Episode 2: The Plot
Episode 3: Great Escape
Episode 4: Fantasyland
Episode 5: Rides at Fantasyland
Episode 6: The Map
Episode 7: Adventureland
Episode 8: In Line For Indy
Episode 9: The Eye of the Idol
Episode 10: Tarzan's Treehouse
Episode 11: Talking With Animals
Episode 12: Red is Your Color
Episode 13: You Can Do That?
Episode 14: SHOPPING
Episode 15: New Looks
Episode 16: What are you Wearing?
Episode 17: One Song
Episode 18: First Time Guest

Have a Disney-related question about the parks, movies, or even about me? Check out the Ask A Cast Member feature and send in your questions!