A very interesting and memorable Cast Member

[BluOrchid2]

On Friday the 13th - hurricane day, I had the opportunity to meet this CM. He was wearing a name badge that said, "Willie," and was working the area outside of The Living Seas at Epcot. He was quite possibly the most intriguing and charming personality I have ever met, enthusiastic about life and just a positive person all around. He was contagious, his spirit was. Physically, he was incredible, in spite of his being 65 years old (he told us). We really enjoyed chatting with him, but were disappointed that we were unable to verify (on the internet) his claim of holding the Mr. New Jersey title in 1962. Does anyone here know, or know of, "Willie," shown in the photo below?

 

[DukeStreetKing]

Well, an internet search for Mr. New Jersey 1962 brings up a blonde haired, white gentleman named Dave Draper.

However, if Willie says he was Mr. New Jersey, than I'm not going to argue with him!

 

[SnackyStacky]

http://www.musclememory.com/cgi-bin/contest?Mr+New+Jersey+-+IFBB?1963?M

He wasn't overall winner, but he was second runner up.

 

[gigi1313]

MuscleMemory 1963 Mr New Jersey - IFBB


1 Draper, Dave

2 Cormier, Willie Roy

3 Davis, Edward


Could #2 be him? he'd be off by a year and there is no picture but the name is right...


::EDITED TO ADD:: looks like dan beat me to it!

 

[BluOrchid2]

Hey Dan, that's GREAT! Thank you so much for finding that for me! I'll have to show my husband.

 

[BluOrchid2]

I just wanted to add.......whether or not he was or wasn't Mr. New Jersey does not detract at all from his sparkling personality. If you're at Epcot, you MUST go by the Living Seas and chat a bit with him. He just makes you glow with warmth. Disney is a PERFECT place for him to work. Of course, a children's ward at a hospital would be perfect, too. He's just one of those special people that you don't easily forget. I hope I meet him again some day.

 

[3for Me]

We ran into this same gentleman at the Living Seas during Mardi Gras last year. He was great!!! Asked everyone around where they were from - told us he loved the gumbo in New Orleans.

He was very sweet and attentive to an elderly lady in a wheelchair waiting to board the "elevators". Great guy - had everyone in stitches - and he did say he had been Mr. New Jersey now that you mention it!!!

I had forgotten all about him, but remembered him instantly when I saw the picture!

 

[Lora]

We met Willie also at The Living Seas. I remember we just missed getting in though the doors and I was thinking, "Oh Man! we have to wait." But, he made the wait fun.

 

[BluOrchid2]

Anyone know if Willie is still around?

 

[SarahandPaul]

I dare someone to call Willie on the fact that he was actually the back up winner in 1963.



*Man, he looks good for 65.

 

[flortlebap]

Bless. I wonder if he knows he's famous on the DIS...

 

[Evil Queen]

I dare someone to call Willie on the fact that he was actually the back up winner in 1963.



*Man, he looks good for 65.

lol-if I catch up with him and he mentions it, I'll say I thought that was Dave Draper....just kidding.

Sure does look great for 65, wish I looked that good at 41.

 

[kimmikayb]

What a very nice looking man. And his smile? Wow! Hope he's still around!

 

[SueM in MN]

lol-if I catch up with him and he mentions it, I'll say I thought that was Dave Draper....just kidding.

Sure does look great for 65, wish I looked that good at 41.

maybe it works like Miss America - you know if the winner is unable to serve, the runner up becomes Mr. New Jersey?
maybe Dave Draper broke his arm or something and could not continue to serve.

 

[Kteacher]

We were lucky enough to meet Willie a few years ago

 

[Lindy Loo]

He MADE my DD 4 's day, when she was in epcot dressed as Snow white, he stopeed her and pulled out an autogrpah book and asked her for HER signature................. she was blown away, and said she wasnt the real princess. He asked if she was sure and would she sign his book anyway. we have a fab picturee of them together !!!
she LOVED this!


Now THATS true disney magic !

 

[DiszyDeanette]

MuscleMemory 1963 Mr New Jersey - IFBB


1 Draper, Dave

2 Cormier, Willie Roy

3 Davis, Edward


Could #2 be him? he'd be off by a year and there is no picture but the name is right...


::EDITED TO ADD:: looks like dan beat me to it!

Perhaps there was some scandal that later disqualified Dave draper, and Willie got to step up and take the title. Maybe Dave posed for playgirl? Or tested positive for steroids?

 

[blondeheroine]

He MADE my DD 4 's day, when she was in epcot dressed as Snow white, he stopeed her and pulled out an autogrpah book and asked her for HER signature................. she was blown away, and said she wasnt the real princess. He asked if she was sure and would she sign his book anyway. we have a fab picturee of them together !!!
she LOVED this!


Now THATS true disney magic !

That made me tear up a little.

I'm so making it a point to meet this CM on my next trip. I love meeting fantastic CMs. That way I can write Disney and let them know just how wonderful these guys are. You guys should all write Disney and let them know of your experiences. I've heard that this helps them get raises, promotions and even win rewards like Disney Cruises.

 

[SueM in MN]

As someone else said, you should write Disney and let them know how much you appreciated/enjoyed the special CMs.
There is also a board on the DIS for THANKS. CMs do look at the praise and thanks there.

 

[jdtopgun71]

I hope this guy is around for our next trip. He sounds great and is part of what makes Disney so special.