Disney parks gossip columnist

An anonymous reader writes, "MiceAge.com is sort of a gossipy (and many times quite bitchy) site devoted to all the latest going-ons at the happiest place on earth. Diehard fans of the place either loathe Al Lutz's almost weekly tidbits about operating problems and weak attendance at the new companion California Adventure park or love the many photos and the latest plans to update or replace attractions. This week Al posted about a recent visit by Michael Eisner to try and chat up the cast members, only to end up proving how out of touch he is with what is going on. Last week Sue Kruse in a very funny piece detailed just what was involved as far as the public goes with a staged 50th anniversary event. In an internet ocean of fawning Disney sites, MiceAge stands out if only for trying to just try and tell it like it is."

When Eisner did show up at that particular cafeteria in a pitiful attempt to rub elbows with the masses, he only really succeeded in proving how out-of-touch he is and how little about the Parks he actually knows. As the cafeteria took notice of Eisner's arrival, which was hard to miss due to the big entourage accompanying him, Eisner put forth his best political skills and tried to make friends. He marched right up to two college aged guys wearing Adventureland costumes waiting for their cheeseburgers and said "Hi fellas, where do you guys work?" The two Cast Members dutifully replied "We work at the Jungle Cruise, sir." Eisner broke into a broad and forced smile and said "Hey, that must be a lot of fun! I'd love to be able to drive that boat around all day, making those jokes and shooting at the hippo's like you do!" And without missing a beat, one of the Jungle Cruise Skippers said "We don't get to shoot at the hippo's anymore sir. They took the guns away three years ago." Eisner could only stammer, "Oh, they did? I didn't know that…" before he moved on down the line for the next forced smile and handshake. (By the way, the plan is still on to reverse Paul Pressler's silly and overly PC decision and bring back the guns to Jungle Cruise that we'd told you about in a previous update.)

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