What makes Disney so magical? The Cast Members! While Disney would still be an amazing place to visit, it’s the cast members who spread the magic to all the millions of guests who visit the parks every year.
For our family, we enjoy meeting cast members and getting to know a little about them and where they come from. These special encounters happen spontaneously throughout the parks and at the resorts and often start with a simple “hello.”
My most favorite cast member of all is Mr. Richard who greets guests at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. I’d seen lots of posts on Facebook of photos with guests, so when I pulled up to the Grand Floridian and saw him standing there, I had to meet him. He is quite literally a Disney celebrity or legend!
We had a wonderful conversation about his life and where he’s been.
Here are just a few of the things I learned about him:
- Mr. Richard (Gerth) has been a greeter at the Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort since 1991. His wife had passed away the previous year leaving him to wonder, “What will I do now?” He decided to pack up and move to Orlando, and he’s been there ever since!
- He will be celebrating his 92nd birthday this year!
- Mr. Richard served in World War II under General Patton! (This is a whole story in itself!)
- He especially loves escorting brides and helping them with their trains during their weddings at Walt Disney World.
- A Facebook page was created for him {Check that out, HERE}. He admits he never gets online, but he is happy to pose with guests and enjoys when they share their photos on his page.
Take time to stop for a chat with a cast member. Ask them where they’re from, how long they have been helping to create Disney magic, what their favorite things are. You never know who you’re going to meet and what amazing stories they can share with you. Several Me and The Mouse Agents have worked as Cast Members. They have some great stories and tips from their time working at the Happiest Place on Earth!
Special note: In addition to his truly sweet nature that immediately makes you love him, he is such a classic gentleman! He was happy to take a photograph with me and immediately extended his arm to wrap mine in his. I think that’s what I’ll remember most about our first meeting!
Mr. Richard passed away in 2018 and will be greatly missed!
