Originally Posted By Doobie This topic is for discussion of the November 6 article: 2003 Disneyland Ambassador Selection at <a href="News-ID507600.asp" target="_blank">http://LaughingPlace.com/News-ID507600.asp</a>.
Originally Posted By Elderp What does an ambassador exactly do? How do they select one? and Why does DL need one?
Originally Posted By WorldDisney Good questions. EXACTLY what I was about to write LOL!! Hopefully she's not the one that have to explain to everybody why half the stuff is shut down.
Originally Posted By Bubbles32 On the 10th Anniversary of Disneyland, Walt knew that there was going to be so much media hype that he decided to pick one person from the DL cast to represent the entire cast and assist with tours and such. And so the Ambassador program was born. For most of the first 30 years, it was always a female and always a tour guide from Guest Relations. Not sure of the exact year, but in the late 80's the first male was selected as part of a Ambassador team. It was no longer just Guest Relations Cast Members but was open to the entire DL cast. In 2002 the first Male only Ambassador was selected with Matt Ebling being chosen. It is an incredible honor to be the Ambassador and to represent the cast of the DL resort. Next year they will choose the Ambassador for 2005, the 50th anniversary. A very busy cast member. If you think about it, there have only been about 55 or so Ambassadors in the past 40 years. Kind of a unique club to be in. It does not guarantee you a cool job with Disney after your year is up, but you get to make a lot of contacts during the year. You don't get a free car or anything and you work your backside off. Basically what the Ambassador does is represent the cast of the resort to the world. Works a great deal through the media.
Originally Posted By Elderp "You don't get a free car or anything and you work your backside off." Sounds great, work your tail off and not get anything. Hmmm... Why don't I sign up right now. Not! I am sure the person who "won" it considers it a huge honor. Though my guess is unless you are an extreme Disney fan you can't remember more than 5 ambassadors (which by the way is my personal max). I love Disney but I feel so bad for their employees. So much work so little recognition.
Originally Posted By Dave I've had the pleasure of meeting Oscar and Dorothy Dorell Mitter and Jennifer Simis Eddie Garcia and Doina Roman-Osborn Matt Ebeling One of Rebekah's early "Forever Magical" storys from May 24, 2000 talks about the program. <a href="http://laughingplace.com/News-ID102030.asp" target="_blank">http://laughingplace.com/News- ID102030.asp</a>
Originally Posted By Alex Disney I am so happy that Becky Murphy is the ambassador for this year she is a really nice person and she is so cool! °o°
Originally Posted By Jim in Pasadena CA Just for the record, 'Kar2oonMan' was my write in candidate for Disneyland Ambassador this year.
Originally Posted By Westsider I can't wait to see what she looks like after they do the Ambassador Makeover. They'll cut her hair for sure, and get her a new wardrobe. Usually the change after the official makeover is dramatic.
Originally Posted By Alex Disney They did a great job with dana baker aka Disney barbie! LOL!!!! °o°
Originally Posted By GreenArmySgt "On the 10th Anniversary of Disneyland, Walt knew that there was going to be so much media hype that he decided to pick one person from the DL cast to represent the entire cast and assist with tours and such. And so the Ambassador program was born." He hand-picked the first Disneyland Ambassador, Julie (Reihm) Casaletto. She was only 20, and was a tour guide for the Park. For the early years of the Ambassador Program, the role was mostly limited to hosting VIPs and participating in various ceremonial events and other high profile gatherings. These women were attractive, charming hostesses for Walt's high level Guests, and they were often seen traveling the world with Mickey spreading the magic of Disneyland. "For most of the first 30 years, it was always a female and always a tour guide from Guest Relations. Not sure of the exact year, but in the late 80's the first male was selected as part of a Ambassador team." The first male Ambassador was selected in 1995, Mr. Gerry Aquino. He was part of a team of 3 (with Julia Onder & Michelle Tryon). "It is an incredible honor to be the Ambassador and to represent the cast of the DL resort." You're absolutely right... This is a huge tradition at the Resort, started by Walt himself and continued over almost 40 years. "Next year they will choose the Ambassador for 2005, the 50th anniversary. A very busy cast member." As of now, plans are to have a team of 2 for '05. There will be many demands of them in the local communities, with the press, hosting VIPs, and at special events at the Resort. "If you think about it, there have only been about 55 or so Ambassadors in the past 40 years. Kind of a unique club to be in. It does not guarantee you a cool job with Disney after your year is up, but you get to make a lot of contacts during the year. You don't get a free car or anything and you work your backside off. Basically what the Ambassador does is represent the cast of the resort to the world. Works a great deal through the media." Absolutely. The Ambassdors have a tough job. They give almost 100 speeches and presentations within a year's term, writing most of their own speeches. They insert themselves into the bloodstream of the Cast, finding out where little celebrations are happening so they can hustle out and congratulate their fellow Cast Members for various accomplishments, they do hundreds of press interviews on behalf of the Resort (which is NOT easy), and they're always on the go, working 6-7 days each week for about 14 months. For my Ambassador friends, the rewards seem enormous, though. They do it out of their own free will, taking on an enormous burden, and the experiences they have and the personal growth they enjoy rival any college or postgraduate educational experience. "Sounds great, work your tail off and not get anything. Hmmm... Why don't I sign up right now. Not!" You clearly have NO idea what this is about. You're balking at it because they don't give them a free car? What planet do you live on? If you're obsessed with material wealth, then by all means, the Ambassadors get it. If recognition is your bag, few Cast Members are applauded and congratulated and rewarded in dozens of ways as the Ambassadors are. However, the DLR Ambassador is meant to be equated in the public's eye with Mickey himself: humble, kind, selfless, giving, passionate, and loyal. They don't do this job for the car. "I am sure the person who 'won' it considers it a huge honor. Though my guess is unless you are an extreme Disney fan you can't remember more than 5 ambassadors (which by the way is my personal max)." Believe me... they DO consider it to be a huge honor, and the Ambassador role is one of service to their fellow Cast Members and to the community. They aren't out there to be well known... just to do some good with Mickey. If they aren't famous afterward, I don't think they're bothered by that. "I love Disney but I feel so bad for their employees. So much work so little recognition." Disney does more to recognize their Cast Members than 90% of the companies out there. They have a whole department that works full time to put on over 60 free events a year, just to create some fun for the employees and their families. There are awards programs that recognize and congratulate Cast Members all year long. The Cast Members that don't enjoy their jobs are typically the ones who aren't right for the role. Like the Character who says they'll scream if they see another kid, or the person who is put off because they can't wear their hair the way they'd like or show off their tattoos. Most people who leave Disney find that they're a better fit someplace else, or they find really quickly that Disney actually treats people pretty darn well, and end up coming back.
