[Park Hopper]

Tuesday night at MGM I had a truly strange experience at One Man's Dream, the attraction that chronicles the life of Walt Disney. With DW out of town, I was in the park by myself and decided to make One Man's Dream my last stop before the park closed.

Unlike other times I'd been there, I really wanted to go through slowly and soak up all the information. The park had been very empty all day, and now, with closing time approaching, nobody had entered the attraction after me. I was about halfway through looking at all the memorabilia when a cast member came up and said the last showing of the movie on Walt's life was going to start in a few minutes.

I thanked her, but said I'd rather take my time looking at the displays and wasn't concerned about seeing the film. When I reached the end of the displays, the cast member said the film was almost over but they would show it again if I wanted to see it.

I said I didn't want to keep them from closing, but she insisted it wasn't a problem. By now, I'm the only non-cast member in the entire building and I'm about to have a private showing of One Man's Dream.

Sure enough, the elctronic doors opened and I'm the only person about to enter the empty theater. The cast member on the stage went through her welcoming spiel and it was such a funny experience that we both couldn't help but laugh. When she said there was no flash photography allowed, I said I suppose I have to move all the way to the end of my row, too. She laughed again and said no, I could sit wherever I wanted.

So, feeling a little self-conscious, I sat and watched the 15-minute film all by myself. When the film ended, the cast member reappeared and said she hoped I'd enjoyed my private showing. At least she didn't remind me to gather all belongings and take small children by the hand. I couldn't help asking if One Man's Dream had ever had a one-man audience. She acknowledged my private showing was a first.

[crystalrp]

Thats pretty neat for you Park Hopper, but kind of sad in a way, isnt it? Walt Disney-One Man's Dream should be the most crowded attraction in the park. (but never would be I know). Hope Walt doesnt know that. :cry:

[LRTJS]

What a unique and moving experience. first, to think that the CM cared that much to even offer to show the film again. The true spirit of WDW showed through here. I bet you got more out of that tour through the exhibit than you ever have before. Many people bypass this because they think it would be boring or their kids won't like it. I would love to have been there ParkHopper and had Walt to myslef. WOW!

[mickaholic4077]

I love the One Man's Dream exhibit. How wonderful for you,Park Hopper,to have a private screening.

[MickeyMac]

LRTJS - I totally second everything you said.

Park Hopper - how wonderful! That is the *only* exhibit my Dad cared about seeing in August. When we got there and the film started rolling and Walt came on, I looked over and saw my Dad get all choked up. Oh glory, now I'm getting worked up again.

Do you know if they've published that film at all? I would love to have the DVD of it.

[MrDisneyfan1]

I love that whole exhibit, I think the models are incredible, and Walts Office!

Once when I was at DisneyLand, I was the only person on "It's a Small World". I had my entire boat...talk about weird! As I came out of the ride still on the boat, (in Dl it dis-embarks outside the attraction) the fireworks were in there full glory overhead, it would have been so romantic if my DW was there, but I was alone, and the CM picked on me.
Den

[Dana]

What a wonderful experience for you and yet another story of a wonderful CM. There are truley some wonderful people working in WDW. I hope you got her name. A letter saying how kind she was would be a wonderful way to pay her back for her "One-man show".:)

[DisneyAnne]

How cool is that? I hate to admit but I have never been through this exhibit. Not because I haven't wanted to, but because it seems I spend the least amount of time at MGM than of any of the other parks.

I would have been a bit self-conscious myself, ParkHopper, but it would have been special nonetheless. When you left, were there other guests still in the park or was it THAT late? Just curious....

[ajbdk5]

What a wonderful story, Park Hopper, I got goosebumps!:)
That is a once in a lifetime WDW experience!
Walt must have been looking down on you and sprinkling pixie dust.;)

Amy

[craziebabie1]

[quote]I hope you got her name. A letter saying how kind she was would be a wonderful way to pay her back for her "One-man show".


You could always let them know at City Hall too. I am a former DL CM. And it always felt good to know that the same people you are going out of your way to make sure they have a wonderful time, are letting you know that its appreciated. It's always a great thing to see how a little magic makes the biggest differance.:)

[dznygrl]

Wow, Park Hopper, that is an amazing experience you had! How eerie it must have been to be the ONLY person...

I'm so sad I missed this attraction. I got too caught up in my "theme park commando" mode that I overlooked it...in fact, I think I walked by it at least half a dozen times! Apparently, I'm not the only one who decided to skip it...

I sure hope that doesn't mean people are forgetting about the man behind the magic!!! :madmad

[llama]

Every year we pass by this exhibit and say "we should see that" and I'm ashamed to say we never have. In January we are definitely not going to miss it. What a gift this man has given the world!

[Park Hopper]

Originally posted by DisneyAnne
How cool is that? I hate to admit but I have never been through this exhibit. Not because I haven't wanted to, but because it seems I spend the least amount of time at MGM than of any of the other parks.

I would have been a bit self-conscious myself, ParkHopper, but it would have been special nonetheless. When you left, were there other guests still in the park or was it THAT late? Just curious....

No, it wasn't that late. The last stragglers from Fantasmic were still leaving the park. The tram I rode to the parking lot had maybe 12-15 people on it.

[LRTJS]

Disney Anne; As big a Disney fan as you are you would truly love it! I have spent over an hour in there before. It is best when it is not crowded. To me it is a "not to be missed" attraction! Park Hopper, I really envy the experience you had!

[RAZORBRAD]

That would be a wonderful experience. I hate trying to look at all the exibits and trying to read everything with people bumping you and getting in the way. You were truly lucky my friend. I cant wait . 3 weeks till I make my pilgrimmage.