or “How I Got Ahead(Wound) in Show Business!”
Disney World in Orlando, Florida celebrated a milestone on October 1, 2021 when it commemorated 50 years since it’s opening day. Because no one asked, here’s my contribution to the discussion.
In 1991, I had just graduated college and I was back in Orlando, trying to jump start a career in film and TV. This is when everyone was calling O-Town “Hollywood East.” Disney and Universal were hosting productions like “The New Leave it to Beaver,” “Superboy” and “Swamp Thing.” With my newly minted Creative Writing degree, I was ready to join the Dream Factory.
Who knew you just didn’t answer a “Help Wanted” ad for screenwriters? I made a lot of phone calls, sent out a lot of resumes and did a lot of whining. Then my friend’s dad, who was an executive at WDW, got me a production assistant gig. It was a TV special for Disney World’s 20th birthday.
Here it was! My big break! I showed up bright and early to the production trailer at the backlot of Disney-MGM (now Hollywood) Studios for my first day in the “biz.” They gave me a lanyard and keys to a minivan and told me to pick up the producer at his hotel.
Next stop…Hollywood!
The production was on a tight schedule so we production assistants interpreted that as permission to do everything at breakneck speed. I must confess that driving a minivan at 80 MPH on Disney property was exhilarating.
I reached the hotel in no time and dashed to the revolving door. Here’s where I compliment Disney’s attention to detail. The glass on that door was so spotless (and I was in such a hurry), I couldn’t tell that it hadn’t revolved fully to the lobby and walked hard into it.
SMACK!
![](https://thumbs.gfycat.com/AppropriateIndelibleInganue.webp)
I stumbled out of the door, dazed and embarrassed. I steadied myself and put my hand to my head. Pulling it back, I saw my hand was covered in blood. I made it to the front desk and asked the concierge for a little help.
They went into full triage mode and soon I was laying on a couch in the lobby with an ice pack, waiting on an ambulance. The producer eventually found me and asked, “You the PA?”
I nodded, my vision clouded by the the pain. “You got the keys?” he requested as I awkwardly handed them over. I watched my big dreams leave with that producer.
I cursed my luck on the ambulance ride to Disney’s secret field hospital. I wouldn’t even be a footnote in the script about Disney’s legacy. The doctor stitched me up and recommended I get some rest. I just knew if I went home, I could wave goodbye to my new career.
I told the doc I needed to go back to work. He said it was up to me, but it would be uncomfortable. No one said the road to stardom would be easy.
I called the production office. They told me I could go home but I insisted. After a speedy minivan ride, I was back on the set, assisting with filming a lavish parade.
It was a long shoot. We finished late that night and had an early call the next morning. I was very tired and my head was spinning. Who knows if it was from my head injury or the buzz of working on a major TV production.
I spent a glorious week on that TV show. I spoke on the phone to the writer in LA asking him to fax over the new pages (Bette Midler wanted funnier jokes). I picked up shoes for Siskel and Ebert, a sandwich for Rick Moranis, and snacks for Amy Grant. I guarded Garth Brooks’ trailer.
This was the apex of celebrity at the dawn of the last decade of the 20th century. We did Disney World’s big birthday right. The producers gave me props for my dedication. They affectionately called me “Doorman” for the rest of the production. No one else got a cool nickname.
So Happy 50th Birthday, Walt Disney World! There’s been a lot of changes in the 30 years since that TV special, but you’re still the happiest place on earth.
Especially for young people with big dreams, lead feet and no depth perception.
Check out the product of my illustrious start in the TV biz here!
You must be logged in to post a comment.