Thanks to a letterhead friend I recieved the name of a contact inside the sign shop at Disney World. A quick phone call and I was in there. The person who gave me the tour took one quick look through my portfoilio and asked where I wanted a job... in the sign shop or at WDI. Quite the honor but I wasn't there for that purpose. I was there to spy!
My escort gave me a quick tour of the sign department and then set me loose in Central Shops... an 'E' ticket to wall to wall EYE CANDY! And this place is HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I toured the areas where just about everything that moves in the park is torn down, refinished and rebuilt. Lots of talented people here!
The character shop was especially facsinating... not one or two cosumes in progress... HUNDREDS in assembly line assembly! I've never seen so many parts in molds, paint, finish, and assembly. It was very cool.
I didn't stay too long, but I did look in as many places as I dared... and learned lots in the process.
It was a fun morning to say the least!
As I left, my gracious escort once again made a parting request... for me to come work there... or where ever else I wanted in Disney. It was a tempting offer for a half second or so... but why would I want to work there when I already have the coolest job in the world with the very best people.
Havin fun spying at the big D...
-grampa dan
[ November 01, 2007, 12:24 PM: Message edited by: Dan Sawatzky ]
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
Congratulations Dan. You are being recognized for what you produce by the best in the business. There's no better pay check than that.
I can only imagaine how much fun that must have been.
Tempting I'm sure, but I'll just bet that you have more fun where you are right now. Still, it would be nice to create surrounded by such a wide array of talent.
Are you ever going to go back to work?
Posted by Cody Reich (Member # 8052) on :
Good for you Dan! That must be a great feeling.
Posted by David Harding (Member # 108) on :
...and here I thought Big D was Dallas. I guess Dan's not coming to spy here.
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
One day I truely hope there is a Letterhead meet near a Disney where Dan will be going. I really want to walk through that place through his eyes for a day. Complete with this backstage pass naturally!
Perhaps that's what we ought to organize. A letterhead meet AT Disney. Dan leading the pack. What a trip that would be!
Posted by Nevman (Member # 332) on :
It's great that you had a chance to make the tour Dan. When I worked for a shop in Orlando (over a generation ago) we did some outsource work for Disney and I got a quick glimpse of the shop. Not a full tour like you. It sounds like you had a fantastic time.
And you couldn't work there...you're just too good !!
And Donna...I know it's a long shot but I'm having a meet here in February and I'm only and hour away from Disney World (and I might be able to make a call - wink wink). It might conflict with some sort of router seminar though.
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
Harding...just think - Dan could come and spy on all that hand lettering you do.
I'm with Donna...let's have a Letterhead gathering at Disney. I'm sure that Dan would volunteer to head it up since he has all the inside connections. All in favor, raise your hand.
Posted by Cody Reich (Member # 8052) on :
Hand up.
Posted by Rene Giroux (Member # 4980) on :
Dan, if they offer any job down there.....try CEO !
Then I guess we would all be invited to visit !!! Posted by TJ Duvall (Member # 3133) on :
My hand is way up. What a great first meet that would be for me.
Posted by Theresa Hoying (Member # 7330) on :
It would have been hard not to take that offer!!
What a neat story Dan!!!
Posted by Marg McCarthy (Member # 288) on :
Dan what a great place to learn new tricks. Bring them all back and share.
Marg McCarthy McCarthy Signs Co. Ltd. Shelburne, ON 519-925-3884
Posted by Bob Rochon (Member # 30) on :
That's so not even fair Raymond, we don't have hands in Letterville. just these bigs heads that don't move I knew it was a tease.
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
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