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News: EPCOT May Re-Open Without Cultural Representatives

News: EPCOT May Re-Open Without Cultural Representatives


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EPCOT has announced an opening date of July 15, leaving them less than 2 months to train and staff the park.  Disney has a plan to speed that up, but it may not involve the Cast Members from the Cultural Representative Program.

On April 18, EPCOT suspended its Cultural Representative Program, and sent participants home early.  Due to travel restrictions and a union agreement, EPCOT’s World Showcase may be staffed without Cultural Representatives at reopening.  

Cultural Representatives Sent Home Early

In April, Disney also furloughed the majority of its employees.  We recently wrote about full-time Cast Members receiving an offer to return to work earlier, but possibly in a different capacity than before the park closures. You can find more information about that here.

Photo: Disney

Cultural Representative Program

Ever wondered about the benefits of participating in Disney World’s Cultural Representative Program? Disney shares that participants gain leadership, business, and customer service knowledge from seasoned professionals at Disney World Resort. 

Credit: KtP writer Susan

These participants are usually college age and have the opportunity to live and work in Orlando.  They also have the experience of sharing their country’s customs and culture.

Per Disney’s website, the Cultural Representative Program plays a huge role in creating an immersive experience at Disney World.  Participants are required to be at least 18 years old and authentically represent one of the regions or pavilions at Disney World’s resorts, pavilions and theme parks. 

Check out Disney’s video on their Cultural Representative Programs:

https://youtu.be/mveSSX8iKv8
Credit: Disney

Disney encourages candidates to be friendly and outgoing and enjoy sharing their heritage with park goers.  They also play a huge role in making EPCOT’s Kidcot Fun Stops wildly popular.

World Showcase Cast Members
Photo: D23.com

Cultural Representative Participants roles vary based on location they’re working, but they all run 12-months.  (Sending them home early due to COVID-19 was a first for the program.)

Union Agreement

Walt Disney World and the Unite Here Local 362 have shared that until Disney is able to resume normal staffing. Cast Members who “do not meet the culturally authentic theming at EPCOT may be temporarily assigned to work in positions which are otherwise reserved for Cultural Representatives.”

Photo courtesy of d23.com

Thoughts On Staffing

I have very mixed thoughts about EPCOT opening without its International Cast Members.  On the one hand, I’ll be thrilled to walk the circle around the World Showcase Pavilions again (starting in Mexico and ending in Canada).  

Credit: Disney

But then again, there will be a gaping hole in the essence of World Showcase not being able to interact with these precious Cast Members.  I buy my absolute favorite Yardley perfume at the United Kingdom Pavilion, and enjoy interacting with Cultural Representatives from the United Kingdom.  

Credit: Susan

Each Cultural Representative I’ve encountered is enthusiastic to share about their homeland, and I learn interesting tidbits every time I visit.  I will miss that so much!

While I’m disappointed, I totally get why Disney is doing this.  With travel and time restrictions, there is absolutely no way they can fully train and staff EPCOT using international staff by the July 15 deadline.

Photo: Disney

Final Thoughts

So, given the choice between having Cultural Representatives and walking the World Showcase Pavilions, I’ll choose the latter

While you’re waiting for EPCOT to re-open, check out my article on the real-life EPCOT pavilion inspirations.

The good news is this is temporary, and as soon as is feasibly possible, Disney will resume its Cultural Representative Program, and we will once again relish in amusing and informational conversations with these outstanding Cast Members.

Photo: Disney

I’m also looking forward to experiencing the newly expanded France pavilion, including the new Remy ride.  Although we don’t have an opening date yet, please read more details here.

What are your thoughts on staffing EPCOT’s World Showcase without Cultural Representatives? Will you still visit or wait for their return?  Let us know on Facebook!

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Kerri N Jim Sullivan

Monday 1st of June 2020

We honestly don't think its that big a deal. Its certainly a larger issue for the work force and the students. While we will miss the interaction, particularly our kids who learned a new phrase for each country for each visit, I understand the time constraints and believe Disney is doing an exemplary job, given the circumstances. We have a trip scheduled for the fall and if the EPCOT rep's aren't back in place by then we'll survive. And given the interest and novelty of the program, we're certain it will survive and only improve as well.

Thanks for the question, it was a good one!

Dana Seccombe

Sunday 31st of May 2020

Disney is doing the best they can. It's fine

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