Has shadow ever been around since covid?
I was there in September 2020 no shadow.
it could be because of covid 19 and we all know covid is going to be around a long long time.
When COVID hit in March 2020, Disney laid off a vast majority of their entertainers in the theme parks and the resort.. B'lou (and Shadow) were part of that batch.. No one really questioned it.. Everyone knew Disney needed to keep costs low because of the shutdowns and frankly, with social distancing, it was probably the responsible thing to do.
Throughout B'lou's 20 month layoff, Disney had always indicated that they wanted to bring Shadow and him back to DHHIR. B'lou had a non-compete clause in his contract, and to his credit, he honored it and did not seek other work entertaining. Likewise, Disney paid Shadow's vet and grooming bills throughout that time, continuing to say that "They couldn't wait to have them back working with members and guests again, and that when more entertainers returned to the theme parks, that B'lou and Shadow would return as well."
A few weeks ago, B'lou (who's real name is Mick Ayres) received a phone call from DHHIR management. That manager read off of a corporate HR script and told him that he and Shadow would not be returning to the resort after 21 years. No reasons was given, other than there was a change in direction.
I, personally, have concerns for a few reasons..
1) B'lou was strung along through out this process.. After 21 years of working with Disney, he deserved better than that..
2) Shadow and B'lou are central to the cultural anthropology and iconography of the resort, and their presence ties into the "low country" history of the area and overall theming of the resort as a 1940's hunting and fishing lodge. Sure, Disney can try and swap in the character of Pluto for Shadow, but there's nothing specifically about Pluto that ties to the resort theming and history of the area, which is part of the attraction for spending time in HHI. If Disney wants to add more character experiences with Pluto, I have no problems with that, but don't use Pluto as a substitute for Shadow or B'lou.
3) If Disney can make this significant of a change to one of the original four DVC resorts, what's next? As our contracts get nearer to the 2042 date, what more will Disney cut in the name of cost savings or corporate homogeniality? Eliminate the Friendship boats at BWV and BCV and push everyone onto the busses? Remove the Community Halls because they distract guests from spending money at the theme parks? Close down the "Top of the World Lounge" at BLT? Close the Savannah at AKV because maintaining the animals is expensive? etc. etc. When does it stop?
For those that don't own at DHHIR or haven't stayed there, I can understand how you may be wondering, "
Why the heck are they getting SO upset about Disney firing a man and his dog?!" What you should be asking yourself though as a member is, "
What would I do if Disney, for no publicized reason, eliminated the most favorite thing about my favorite resort?
The one thing that really made that resort feel like home.."
I'm a 20+ year member of DVC.. The motto used to be "
If you believe in magic.. You Belong..." What happens then if Disney is cash strapped and starts removing those things that make our "homes" feel "magical"? Those things that make the resorts stand out from Marriot or Hilton Vacation clubs.. How do we handle that?
#bringbackblouandshadow #DVC #disneyvacationclub