Originally Posted By SafariRob You know what? You're right. Temporary insanity on my part. I LOVE LOVE LOVE JC. Interaction with the guests really does make the ride special. Based on what I have read, skipper jobs in Anaheim are in high-demand and considered the cream of the crop. It's what CM's aspire to be. Is that not the case in Florida? Do they have a hard time filling those jobs?
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<Is that not the case in Florida? Do they have a hard time filling those jobs?>> No. The problem is the hiring practices in Florida coupled with the International College Program. There's A LOT more roles to fill in Florida than in California, and they tend to just throw whoever they can into roles at WDW. Sometimes they strike gold and get a great skipper(and don't be fooled, there are plenty of GREAT skippers in WDW), but much too often they get someone who doesn't want to be there, or can't perform as needed(international cast members). They need to be much more selective when it comes to JC hiring, rather than just putting people there on a whim. There are PLENTY of people that would love to work there. They need to put those people in the role.
Originally Posted By SafariRob Wow. Nothing is as easy as it seems, is it? I'm assuming you are (or used to be) a skipper?
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 Rode JC three times June/July and all three skippers were great. A good skipper makes the ride.
Originally Posted By Christi22222 >>A good skipper makes the ride.<< This is just so true. I have ridden when we were all way too tired and should have turned in much earlier and were hanging by a thread....and the skipper got us laughing and lifting our mood and remembering that we were in the Vacation Kingdom of the World, despite our dour intentions!!
Originally Posted By The Duck Over the past 35 years of visiting WDW, I can honestly say that I've had only one truly terrible JC skipper. I started to wonder if she was brain-damaged when I began the hear her say things like (no joke) "Hey guys! Look ova dere! Itsa tigah! Hey guys! Look ova dere! Itsa ele-funt!".
Originally Posted By SafariRob Do they update the Hall of Presidents with each new administration? Do any of the modern presidents speak?
Originally Posted By MPierce >> Maybe it's time to explore the option of instituting some kind of soundtrack << A live Skipper does have it's drawbacks. However it's what also gives JC it's charm. I just don't think it would work at all using an automated system.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> No. No. 1000x no. A pre-recorded sound track will be the death of that attraction. Skipper participation with the guests is what makes the ride, and it's the reason a large majority of guests love it. Plus, it's still one of the most popular rides in the park, so I don't think a change is necessary. << Agree all around.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> Do they update the Hall of Presidents with each new administration? Do any of the modern presidents speak? << Yes they do. The current sitting President, and President Lincoln speak.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <<Maybe it's time to explore the option of instituting some kind of soundtrack.>> No. No. 1000x no. A pre-recorded sound track will be the death of that attraction. Skipper participation with the guests is what makes the ride, and it's the reason a large majority of guests love it. --------- oh I so agree-- even a more strained show live is beter than a recorded spiel. I think it would be the death of JC if that happened... lots of pretty cool people used to be JC skippers-- Lasseter for instance.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<Yes they do. The current sitting President, and President Lincoln speak.>> Washington does as well.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>Funny - Cinderella's castle at WDW is my least favorite. It is too boxy on top and looks more like a fortress castle than a storybook style palace. At least Disneyland's feels like it is in a storybook, and DLP's is of course stunning.<<< It's supposed to be like that. The fortress look was intended to make it look imposing, and grand, and VISIBLE all the way from the parking lot and surrounding hotels. For the record, I don't think there's any "perfect" castle...they all fit their settings. And quite well. DL's fits the charm, size, and style of it's park. WDW's is perfect for a visual statement. DLP's is organic, detailed, and meshes well with it's land, AND the surrounding REAL location. The only thing that drives me nuts is the CLONING of castles. TDL and HKDL really seem "cheaper" with a duplicate sitting in there. Also makes out castle's seem like commodities and franchises just to be bandied about. Oh...wait... it's Disney. They are. Sigh.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>Yes they do. The current sitting President, and President Lincoln speak.<<<< Washington too! Preformed by the amazing David Morse. LOVE his work.
