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After over two years of waiting, cultural representatives are finally returning to their national pavilions around World Showcase.
While it was previously announced that this very special part of Disney’s International Program was returning to the Walt Disney World Resort after the covid-caused shutdown, there was still uncertainty upon its exact return. Now they are getting reacquainted in their new home both in the Theme Park and their Cast Member community at Flamingo Crossing Village.
Disney Parks Blog dropped in on these representatives–some of whom are first-time Cast Members–saying,
“If you’ve ever experienced the magic of traveling around the world and learning about the unique cultures and customs of 11 countries – all in the same day – it’s likely you’ve been to EPCOT and met some of our beloved Cultural Representatives in the World Showcase. Over the past few weeks, we’ve started welcoming back Disney Cultural Representatives who have come from far and wide to help us in our storytelling and to create authentic, immersive experiences for our guests.”
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In talking with some of these new and returning cultural representatives, it is clear that they are just as excited as many Guests undoubtedly are to see their return.
“I’m most excited to relive the experience again,” said Marco Cerri, a returning participant from Milan. “I loved sharing my knowledge about my culture and the beauty of my country with guests and learning how to inspire others.”
“It’s so wonderful to be back and reconnect with all the people I used to work with, and I’m so excited to meet all the new people on my journey,” said Melanie Bernert, a returning Cultural Representative from Schongau, a small town in Germany.
Credit: Disney
Related: Walt Disney World Staffing Update: Disney Cultural Exchange Program Will Resume Soon!
Cultural Representatives not only add to the diversity found at the Walt Disney World Resort, but they also help bring the cultural experience and immersion level found at their World Showcase Pavilion to the next level. After all, who else would you be talking to in Germany besides a German Cast Member, for example?
This program was put on hold due to the difficulties brought about in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic and while this did not lead to the shutdown of the pavilions, the need to fill in the staffing gaps caused a lowering in the immersion.
Credit: Disney
Related: EPCOT’s Four “Neighborhoods”: Here’s What to Know
The return of the Cultural Representatives only adds to the excitement as EPCOT’s full International Food and Wine Festival continues to roll at full speed.
We at Disney Fanatic will continue to update our readers on Disney Parks news and stories as more developments come to light.
