BeastlyKingdomme
Member
Welp, looks like I have found a reason to visit DAK a few times before Jan 5th.
-
Welcome to the WDWMAGIC.COM Forums!
Please take a look around, and feel free to sign up and join the community.
Festival of the Lion King closes January 5th
- Thread starter drew81
- Start date
NoChesterHester
Well-Known Member
How long is a typical pre-opening rehearsal period? Seems that if they shut down in January and do pre-opening rehearsals they are only shaving 4.5 months or so of operation expense. Is it really worth it to have to go out and find all those people again?
Gabe1
Ivory Tower Squabble EST 2011. WINDMILL SURVIVOR
A handful of months seems about right. The actors will need time to get used to the new place, if there's a new layout (probably is)
I wish we had some info on the new digs and specifically, the area surrounding it. Any news you can share with the class?
So even without a show Disney will keep actors on for 6-8 months? Nice.
Bolt
Well-Known Member
They are reusing a lot of the same light grids and equipment behind the scenes and needs to get moved over.
Nubs70
Well-Known Member
You close the business entity known as FotLK. All employees are laid off. FotLK remains out of business of a mimimum of 180 days. FotLK opens under a different name as a non union entity. That's why you close a business for at least 6 months.
hope it reopens by June 1
ABQ
Well-Known Member
It's hugely popular, why would anyone think it won't reopen? We can speculate all we want, we may never know exactly why it's closing now, perhaps the new will not be ready as soon as wanted while the old theatre, and Camp Minnie Mickey in general are scheduled for demolition and they don't want to push that schedule back. I've never heard any talk of the show going away yet this one closure for the relocation sure did stir up quite a bit of unfounded banter.
Midforum
New Member
From @WDWFanBoys
FoLK cast told today that all new cast is going to be put in new theatre. Basically a reaudition, because of an updated show. On Jan 1st.https://twitter.com/midforum/status/391162179338371072
FoLK cast told today that all new cast is going to be put in new theatre. Basically a reaudition, because of an updated show. On Jan 1st.https://twitter.com/midforum/status/391162179338371072
Gabe1
Ivory Tower Squabble EST 2011. WINDMILL SURVIVOR
That was what I thought too, but reading the post above about all that time for CMs for new rehearsal in new digs threw me. I can see Disney reassigning some of that large cast to other roles meanwhile. I can also see this as an opportunity for Disney to dump off some of the long time CMs who have higher end (for Disney) hourly rates and replace them with newer, younger, cheaper CMs.
Wonder if the old cast will have to reapply to return to Lion King.
PrincessNelly_NJ
Well-Known Member
Well it seems most of the refurbs planned for 2014 are starting on the Jan 5th. But I'm wondering if this extended shutdown is due to Disney wanted to get started on Avatar. Because they can't really do anything until the new theater is complete. But I do hope they upgrade the show.
willtravel
Well-Known Member
discos
Well-Known Member
I'm pretty sure they wouldn't be able to re open as non-eq seeing as how Disney World has an agreement with AEA. Any show or act on property that has performers that sing have to be employed under an Equity contract. The Mayor at MK is even employed as an equity artist. Unless the principal singers lip sync and the dancers and acrobatists are classified as "movers" then they can probably go the non equity route.
GiveMeTheMusic
Well-Known Member
The show can't go non-union, and the Disney World AEA contract allows them to close shows with something dumb like 4 weeks notice to the cast, so they're going by the book.
It's only closing for six months because TDO will take any excuse to cut something for as long as possible instead of working to ensure the guest experience is as seamless as possible.
Oh hey good luck on spring break DAK! No parade, no FOLK - better put out a press release about new benches at Nemo!
It's only closing for six months because TDO will take any excuse to cut something for as long as possible instead of working to ensure the guest experience is as seamless as possible.
Oh hey good luck on spring break DAK! No parade, no FOLK - better put out a press release about new benches at Nemo!
ToTBellHop
Well-Known Member
It really would be ridiculous if they get rid of Jammin Jungle AND FotLK in January. Wouldn't it make more sense to keep Jammin Jungle until FotLK reopens at least?
Next, they'll fire the elephants. They're forgettable anyway.
PolynesianPrincess
Well-Known Member
Why would they shorten it? Most shows of that caliber on property are that same length...
disney4life2008
Well-Known Member
Boy is this a bummer. I absolutely love FOTLK and usually make a visit to the AK at least several times throughout my vacation to see the show. Ironically - I was just planning on going back to WDW in January but this surely puts a dent on my plans. WDW has lots so much of the traditions that I grew up loving. Alas - I know this is only temporary so I look forward to the new theater. Like everyone else - I hope they do not make any significant changes to the show - it is PERFECTION!
imagination30
Well-Known Member
I Guess I still have nemo to look forward to during my trip in jan.. , but my mom is going to be upset bc she loves nemo and folk