Festival of the Lion King closes January 5th

[Slowjack]

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.

is that a reliable source? Honestly, the talent and enthusiasm of the performers is what makes the show as good as it is, and it would be a shame if the cast was put out of work.

 

[ford91exploder]

Why would they shorten it? Most shows of that caliber on property are that same length...

So they can run more shows,

 

[asianway]

is that a reliable source? Honestly, the talent and enthusiasm of the performers is what makes the show as good as it is, and it would be a shame if the cast was put out of work.

The worst - I would approach with extreme skepticism-they never get anything about entertainment right. Ahem Queen Elinor.

@RSoxNo1

 

[asianway]

They'll actually probably use FOTLK being closed as the reason to close the parade too since there's a lot of cast overlap. Seriously though, that's what happened when they closed the DHS parade they also closed Disney Channel Rocks because of the casting overlaps. Since part of their shift was being removed (parade) they just cut DCR too.

Im actually disappointed in TDO not being able to figure out how to eliminate the Fantasmic character sets at Streets yet. They must just not be as good as I thought they were about scheduling labor.

 

[Epcot '92]

^Dont forget the Audience control cast too. A lot of hours have been cut and spread out on sunset blvd (RnR, ToT, and Beauty and the Beast). Hopefully this reduction leads to bigger things down the way... Over on the other side of the park...

 

[luv]

But that's a pretty poor comparison. It would be like if they took Spectro out, actually spend a bunch of money to refurb it and then just junked it without running it again. That didn't happen, they just never did anything to Sectro except leave it to rot.

Meanwhile, TDO is building a paying for a new FOLTK theater. You can see it being built. They aren't spending that money to just ditch the show and not bring it back. There will be a new show in the new theater once it is ready.

It wasn't a comparison, so that might be why it seems like such a poor one.

I was giving an example of a temporary thing that became permanent. It happens a lot.

Disney frequently lies, too.

Whenever anything is temporarily removed, I worry. I'm not suggesting anyone else should or that there is any reason for them to worry. I do. A little.

 

[mm52200]

Im actually disappointed in TDO not being able to figure out how to eliminate the Fantasmic character sets at Streets yet. They must just not be as good as I thought they were about scheduling labor.

I'm surprised too since it was basically a shift filler for the cast in both the parade and Fantasmic, to fill that giant gap of time. I guess they kept it so they could still give the Fantasmic cast an almost normal length shift.

 

[RandomPrincess]

Im actually disappointed in TDO not being able to figure out how to eliminate the Fantasmic character sets at Streets yet. They must just not be as good as I thought they were about scheduling labor.

According to Kenny the Pirate - Character Palooza will not be presented from November 3, 2013 to March 8, 2014.

 

[asianway]

According to Kenny the Pirate - Character Palooza will not be presented from November 3, 2013 to March 8, 2014.

This is nothing new they never have it after DST ends

 

[RandomPrincess]

This is nothing new they never have it after DST ends

Thanks for the info. Just realized DLS falls in the middle of my trip - at least it's Fall back. Losing an hour is awful for my kids they turn into zombies.

 

[mm52200]

Thanks for the info. Just realized DLS falls in the middle of my trip - at least it's Fall back. Losing an hour is awful for my kids they turn into zombies.

Character Palooza never happens if Fantasmic is at 7:00 or earlier...or maybe just if its at 6:30

 

[RSoxNo1]

The worst - I would approach with extreme skepticism-they never get anything about entertainment right. Ahem Queen Elinor.

@RSoxNo1

FYI, I'm no a longer a member of that show. Also, not sure I get the Queen Elinor reference.

 

[asianway]

FYI, I'm no a longer a member of that show. Also, not sure I get the Queen Elinor reference.

Ah - they hinted a while back that she would make an appearance & nailed it so they must know someone

 

[skimbob]

I am sad to hear the show will close on the 5th especially with marathon weekend coming at the ned of the week. I was hoping to see it again before the move.

 

[mm52200]

Man I'm now starting to realize and wonder what will a large number of the parade performers/movers be doing come January once CADCT parade closes, FOLK is closed, and the strong rumors of the DAK parade closing. I realize that the new MK parade is coming and FOLK will eventually return but still that's several months of reduced hours and opportunities and shifts for those cast members.

 

[hpyhnt 1000]

Man I'm now starting to realize and wonder what will a large number of the parade performers/movers be doing come January once CADCT parade closes, FOLK is closed, and the strong rumors of the DAK parade closing. I realize that the new MK parade is coming and FOLK will eventually return but still that's several months of reduced hours and opportunities and shifts for those cast members.

Which equals several months of cost savings which I am sure will be used to pad WDW's quarterly and yearly report.

I like to think thats not the case, but given whats been happening in recent years, lets be honest here...

 

[Figments Friend]

Which equals several months of cost savings which I am sure will be used to pad WDW's quarterly and yearly report.

I like to think thats not the case, but given whats been happening in recent years, lets be honest here...

Yep...
Perfectly fits.

Feel bad for the CMs.

 

[Kman101]

Like WDW is hurting for money. They're so shameless and obvious.

 

[danlb_2000]

Disney has posted audition information for the new show:

"Disney Parks Talent Casting is seeking male vocalists for Festival of the Lion King, an African-inspired celebration of the music from the feature film. This original musical theatre production will be performed live in the NEW state of the art, indoor, 1500 seat theatre-in-the-round in Disney’s Animal Kingdom® at the Walt Disney World® Resort near Orlando, FL. This large scale, high energy production features singers, dancers, gymnasts and specialty performers. We are especially seeking performers with a diverse look for full time and part time positions beginning in April 2014. Seeking the following roles: Kiume: The Leader. Must have a strong and powerful presence; Male resonant baritone/bass. 5’10 – 6’2 Nakawa: The Prince. Good looking and confident. Male pop/R&B second tenor. 5’8-5’10 Audition Location: Disney's Animal Kingdom Wardrobe and Rehearsal Facility 3271 Sherberth Road Kissimmee, FL 34747 Sign-in: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Requirements: Performers must be at least 18 and authorized to work in the United States. Please provide a current headshot and resume. Prepare 16 bars of a musical selection and provide sheet music, in the correct key, for the accompanist. Prerecorded tracks or a cappella auditions are not allowed. Callbacks to be held on December 17, 2013. Performers employed by the Walt Disney World Resort are covered under the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement with Actors' Equity Association. EOE - Drawing Creativity from Diversity - ©Disney"

http://www.disneyauditions.com/calendar/index.html

 

[doctornick]

So if the work begins in April 2014 what is a reasonable timeframe for actually performances to start (i.e. how long do they practice/get ready before a stage performance)? One month? Two months?