Various Epcot entertainers being let go? About This Page:

[MorenaSangre]

I'm always sorry to see the entertainers leave. I still fondly remember the juggler who used to open at the BatB show, the up-close card illusionist at the Rose & Crown, and Cast in Bronze at Epcot. But I understand that an enterprise like Disney is constantly changing over their talent.

As long as they do "change over" and not "eliminate." The first thought in my mind whenever I hear of entertainers being let go is that Disney is cutting back on its cast, eliminating the "live" entertainment, and I am NOT okay with that. As long as a new act comes in to replace the old, it's all right. I know how much young talent is floating around the Orlando area - give them a chance. But I don't want Disney to simply eliminate its live talent; animatronics don't cut it. The magic lies in real people, and I hope they don't forget that.

[HeatherD]

But I don't want Disney to simply eliminate its live talent; animatronics don't cut it. The magic lies in real people, and I hope they don't forget that.

***Disclaimer: I was an entertainer and support the idea of live musicians***
As a business, Disney constantly has to evaluate the "value" of their employees. If entertainers are performing and no one is stopping to enjoy them or are annoyed at having to go around them or whatever reason that the guests (or a majority of guests) would have to not appreciate the live talent, then the managers need to review that. BI is still there because I'm betting they're still drawing a pretty good crowd (I have pictures of BI from my honeymoon 10 years ago). However, it is management's job to review and observe the interaction and see if it's worth it.

I'm pretty sure that the entertainers are making more than minimum wage, so Disney has to consider that. I wouldn't say that Disney's looking for a way to trim the fat, but looking at their ROI (Return on Investment). Sometimes it's tangible - sales from a good CM in a store - and sometimes it's not - creating a general feeling of atmosphere in Epcot. But if there isn't some sort of return, then it's not worth the amount they are paying for it.

[Disney Groupie]

Originally Posted by Principessa_di_Fata

...highly disappointed that the Kristos were no longer there. I was actually friends with the guys that performed in that act (2 guys and their mom)

We were really disappointed that they aren't there any more too. That was always one of our favorite live entertainments. I had noticed that the woman looked older than the guys, if you looked closely at her face when she removed her mask. I was always amazed at how toned, muscular and strong she is, and had wondered how old she was. I was blown away to find out she is the guys MOM!!! Now I am even more impressed....Motivation to keep lifting and working out at the gym every day. Unfortunately, I doubt I'll ever look as good as she does!!!! AMAZING!!!!!

[SouthernBelle]

I too am very at the fact that FFAD is gone, but I do understand that things change, but I agree there will be something new and that the new talent will be a source of enjoyment.

[GinaButtrfly]

Originally Posted by Dave Marx

First off, WDW didn't "just" go union. The same unions have been around for a very long time. What did happen is a new contract went into effect last year. The company was very aggressive about (and got) one thing that a chef might see the affects of first-hand - servers no longer get the automatic gratuity on packages (dining plans, Platinum plan, etc.). There was a lot of unhappiness about that.

I love when I'm armed with facts to counter my sister's BestFriend's nonsense. I know if I posted here, the TRUTH would be revealed. I'm going to pass the facts along... Thanks for clearing it up, Dave.