For many people, meeting cultural representatives from the different countries represented at EPCOT around World Showcase is a highlight of a trip to Walt Disney World. It is one of those Disney details that takes something that is very good and makes it great. Their addition adds authenticity to each pavilion they serve in and brings that country’s culture to life in an immersive way. Since the pandemic, these representatives have not been present at EPCOT. However, this coming August that will begin to change.
Disney International Programs has announced the return of Disney Cultural Representatives. Their return will be phased, as most things have been since the reopening of the parks. The first phase will include recruiting representatives from Germany, Norway, Italy, France, UK, and Canada for World Showcase at EPCOT.
Currently, Disney is reaching out to participants who are from certain countries who had their programs shortened, canceled, or waitlisted in 2020 when the pandemic struck. Those who had been given an offer and had not yet arrived are also being given a chance to reapply. After this, others will be invited to apply.
What do you think of the return of Disney Cultural Representatives to Walt Disney World Resort? Are you excited? Share your thoughts and opinions below!
Full Announcement:
Since the reopening of Walt Disney World, we’ve frequently been asked when Disney International Programs will bring back the Disney Cultural Representatives.
Today, we’re thrilled to announce the Disney Cultural Representative program will return in phases and begin welcoming the first new participants in August.
The Cultural Representatives play an important role in our storytelling by helping us create authentic, immersive experiences for our guests as they share their countries’ culture, heritage and traditions that have inspired our resorts, pavilions, and theme parks.
We know how much our guests and cast love the program and have been waiting for just the right moment to reintroduce it. As we continue to bring back more cast and guest experiences, we are encouraged by the progress we’re seeing in recent health trends, including the return of international travel and the expansion of vaccine availability around the world.
Right now, we are reaching out to participants from select countries whose program was shortened, cancelled or waitlisted in 2020, as well as those who had an offer and had not yet arrived, and offering them the first opportunity to reapply. We will then invite others to apply soon.
We are doing this in a thoughtful and responsible way with the safety of our participants and working cast top of mind. With this phased re-introduction, initial recruitment will start in Germany, Norway, Italy, France, UK, and Canada for World Showcase at EPCOT. We look forward to bringing additional countries on board and sharing applications with them once they clear travel restrictions and / or have CDC-authorized vaccine availability.
We’re building on the solid foundation of last year’s relaunch of the Disney College Program. Both programs provide a great pathway for career development as they offer participants the opportunity to learn, grow and develop and as they stay at Flamingo Crossings Village, a new state-of-the-art housing complex.
We’re eagerly counting down the days until we welcome back our Cultural Representatives and will continue to keep you updated as more countries join us to share their magic in our parks and resorts.
