Have you ever been on an attraction at Walt Disney World that stopped or didn’t work right or just broke down completely?
Perhaps the ride just came to a halt or an animatronic didn’t move as they should or maybe things didn’t go off just as they were supposed to.
Well, that is exactly what happened during the summer of 1999 for my first stint in the Walt Disney World College Program (WDWCP).
Only, it took a really weird and almost frightening turn.
When someone is hired to be a Walt Disney World Cast Member, they go through the training, paperwork, and a class called “Traditions.” During this class, you’ll learn about Disney history, the parks, behind-the-scenes information, and even tour some locations. Essentially, it introduces you to all aspects of the company.
On this day back in May of 1999, I sat in a classroom behind the scenes of the Magic Kingdom and with about 30 others, listened to my Traditions’ instructor.
We were all told information about Disney, what it means to be a Cast Member, did a scavenger hunt around the park, and then did a tour of a portion of the park as a group. Stories were told to us of issues, problems, great things, amazing happenings, and so much more.
My Traditions instructor decided to show us the park, but our class’ focus was Liberty Square. For those that have known Doctor Disney for some time…well, you realize this was pleasing to me because of my affection for the Haunted Mansion.
There is another “Tales of a Former Cast Member” story there, but that’s for a different time.
Anyway, we checked out everything in Liberty Square and as a group, we made our way to The Hall of Presidents.
We all sat there and were enjoying the show. The movie portion went off without a hitch. At that point, the curtain was raised and all of the great men that had been the President of the United States of America were visible to all.
This was nearing the end of the Bill Clinton administration, and at the time, only he and Abraham Lincoln would speak.
Honest Abe stood up and proceeded to give his speech. It was heartwarming and felt good for all those that were in there listening…but then…
President Abraham Lincoln fell forward and was bent over from the waist up. He stood there with his arms dangling toward the ground and continuing to move and finish off his speech.
We all looked at one another. Giggles and laughter were heard. The eyes of our Traditions instructor grew huge, but then someone took the less classy route from the back of the auditorium and simply shouted:
“HE’S BEEN SHOT!”
More laughter was heard, but there were also those that were appalled. Nothing could be done about it though, and Abe Lincoln had indeed fallen.
Once his speech was done, he stood there…half bent over…and that was that. President Bill Clinton gave his speech without a hitch, and the show was coming to a close.
The curtain came down on the back of Lincoln’s head, slid off, and to the ground. Small smatterings of applause were heard and my Traditions class proceeded to file out of The Hall of Presidents.
Once gathered outside, our instructor merely said, “And that is why you’ve got to always smile and be prepared because anything can happen at Walt Disney World.”
Isn’t that the truth?
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