Working at Disney’s EPCOT During the Golden Age

From England to EPCOT, with Pixie Dust

For many Disney fans, the early 1990s was the heyday of EPCOT. Mike Rhodes was there, working in the UK Pavilion of the World Showcase, as part of Disney’s now defunct Fellowship Programme for international cast members. With Brit wit and humour, he takes you backstage, from Horizons to the Tea Caddy.

To staff its World Showcase pavilions, Disney recruits from the host countries themselves. For the limited spots in the international Fellowship Programme, competition was fierce. Fellowship cast members got more of everything, including Disney-sponsored trips, free rent, and higher pay.

Perks aside, Mike’s program brought him many magical moments, both fanciful and farcical, including:

• What it takes to run a shop in the World Showcase, and the politics of corporate sponsorship (in this case, Twinings Tea)
• Remembrances of EPCOT past: Horizons, Wonders of Life, Seabase Alpha, World of Motion, and more
• Fanny packs, ladies privates, and other culture shocks
• Gay culture at Disney, and the perils and pleasures of being an openly gay cast member
• Excursions throughout Florida, from private islands and redneck wilderness to the seedy underbelly of Orlando

THE GOLDEN AGE OF EPCOT AWAITS