Originally Posted By TokyoSea Went to Disney Sea today to take in the park with snow for a different view as well as to cash in on 13 drops at Tower of Terror. While standing on the bridge taking a photo of a snow covered Mysterious Island, I head a "clunk" then "splash." I just happened to look down and saw one of the Gondoliers who fell into Mediterranean Harbor. I guess his oar hit the bridge and threw him off balance. Poor guy was strugling to swim for a couple minutes while other cast members just looked on... the only thing keeping him afloat was the automatic emergency vest that popped-up around his waist. Eventually he made it across to the stairs that come off the brisge and he climbed onto the back of another gondola. By then another gondolier had taken his place on his former ride and sailed away.
Originally Posted By The Goddess Mara I find it hard to imagine they would let a castmember work in a boat on the water if the person could not swim. Poor fellow probably lost his job.
Originally Posted By TokyoSweets To be hired for that attraction you have to be able to swim and are trained on how to re-enter the gondola from the water if you fall. It was snowing that day and the water must have been absolutely freezing so more than likely the surprise caught him off guard. I doubt the cm would have lost their job because while accidents are rare they do happen.
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt Why would they operate a ride like that in such weather? Can you imagine the DL canoes operating after a snow fall?
Originally Posted By FerretAfros I can't imagine DL opening after a snow fall. They closed early several days in a row in late 2009 because it was raining. When people are used to weather (guests and CMs alike), it gives them a certain heartiness. I'm sure it was still very cold for the poor guy who fell in, but I see no reason not to operate the boats on a cold day; falling in the water certainly isn't standard operating procedure. And although guests are 'near' the water like the canoes, they don't actually get wet at all; it's more like being on the Jungle Cruise or bottom level of the Mark Twain. The water's right there next to the guests, but it's not really 'interacting' with them.
Originally Posted By friarthe "They closed early several days in a row in late 2009 because it was raining." Ahh, that was a time. (I thought that was in February, though? Probably my poor memory.) All I remember was one sweet afternoon when my wife and I were sent through Peter Pan twice without being asked to disembark. PETER PAN. Less than no line. Incredible.
