Reliving Fond Memories
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The 999th Happy Haunt
One on-the-job perk was the opportunity to explore my favorite attraction while it was
operating. At the edge of the break area was a ladder that carried me down to the
foundation of the attraction. From there I could travel through the entire layout.
Skirting the omnimover, I would go directly to the ballroom. This was a real kick,
stepping past the hearse and over the coffin to enter the room and seeing the layers of
figures from the vantage point of the birthday party guests! I appreciated the artistry of
the Imagineers a hundred fold when getting such a close-up look at the "magic"
in action. I sat on the organist’s stool and admired the organ once only Captain Nemo
played; now covered in dust and cobwebs (How they create the cobwebs still amazes me. Only
a genius could design something so simple and effective! Rubber cement spun out with the
use of a fan "gun". Then "powdered" so the threads stand out in the
gloom. Beautiful!)
The Lead Op would announce over the loudspeaker the house lights were going off and the attraction starting up. I would walk over to the banquet table. The lights would go off and the place would be lit by "candlelight". I'd watch the ghosts going through their motions, savoring every second, before returning to my room on the Endless Hallway so I can join in with the Happy Haunts.
Sometimes in the morning I would head to the DEC to get some breakfast, and would take the elevators up to the Foyer. I loved watching the walls and paintings shutter up into first position, then stepping out of the chilly gloom into the bright greenery of the Square.
DEAD END
The Knight only lasted about three years. Ops complained that the Knight was slowing down
the smooth operation of the attraction, and I admit there was truth in that. More than one
cast member expressed frustration at having to climb the stairs to see what was up with
the Knight. Some wondered whether it was worth it. Did the Knight add to the ambiance of
the attraction? Perhaps it was just a new twist, an empty thrill that got old fast?
Entertainment didn't like it either, because it was a single character in a remote place,
and the Character Lead had to walk out of his/her way to visit. So the Knight was
discontinued, and missed by no one.
Well, not everyone. The schedule suited me just fine. I didn't mind the isolation since I was going to school and could study without interruption. And the sheer novelty of causing mortals to shout and scream never grew old for me.
So for my troubles, I was given something special. At the yearly character awards banquet (we would hold our own Oscar-style banquet event, with categories like "Best Characterization", "Funniest Characterization", etc), I was given the first (and last) award for the Knight. Since the Knight was removed the following year, I was the only character to have received this honor. I still have it on my bookshelf. It is a statue of a knight with a lance. The inscription on the marble base says "Scariest Knight 1986". 16 years later I still look at it and smile to myself.
I left the Zoo Crew the following year. I had graduated college, and was ready to move on. I have several tasty memories of my time with the Zoo Crew. I met some good people who became friends. I was part of the "magic". But one memory I will always savor is standing in the dimly lit hall across from the "Tomb Sweet Tomb" needlepoint, frightening unsuspecting guests inside my favorite ride in my favorite "land" in my favorite park.
All in all, it was a frightfully good time.
Discuss It
-- David Mink
Reliving Fond Memories is posted the third Wednesday of each month.
The opinions expressed by our David Mink, and all of our columnists, do not necessarily represent the feelings of LaughingPlace.com or any of its employees or advertisers. All speculation and rumors about the future plans of the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.
-- Posted April 17, 2002