Kaleo was let go!

[MiaSRN62]

tsal: So would you like them to cut service staff such as front desk or housekeeping? Then you would complain about longer check in times, or dirty rooms.

Seriously ? Of course not............

There have got to be other things behind the scenes that we're just not aware of. Maybe the bonuses for the suits who sit in the back rooms and don't do much ? Maybe how the pool towels are utilized ? Use 'em once and throw them in the hamper ? Why not use your own towels ? I've seen families of four using twice that amount of towels and barely using them at that. Laundry must be horrendous for this service. There are many resorts where u just have to use your own towels.
Maybe these aren't the best examples because I'm not in the hospitality industry and don't know the ins and outs....but surely there must be something less visible to the guest that could be cut. But to make the above statement is just sort of flip ? I mean, I think it would be obvious that we wouldn't want housekeeping or front desk staff cut ? There's like 2 or 3 gifts shops in the Poly---plus the Wyland Gallery on top of that. Maybe discontinue one of them. There's also a souvenier cart/stand on the upper level. Are all of these needed ? There's gift shops everywhere in the parks....

I'm just brainstorming here......I'm sure there's got to be something.

 

[nbodyhome]

Kaleo was part of the budget cuts.

The torch lighting resumed tonight, I happened to be there and took a full video of it. The host was Lipoa, though it is always possible that the Polynesian could ask Kaleo back (I will be writing to Disney).

 

[Sammie]

Many Disney employees have been cut due to the economy, they are just not as visible, but certainly no less well liked or in need of a job.

With over a million jobs lost in the US in 2008, Disney will not be immune to this either.

As to cutting the Wyland Gallery how would cutting out a business that pays to be there, help

 

[pinkerbell]

I think a few people are trying to make the point that in the world today there are MANY high paid executives who are not worth their weight in crap, but continue to slash hard working employees jobs. Jobs that do make a difference in our experience. While high paid execs get bonuses, incentives and perks that they are truly not worthy of and do not benefit the guests or hands on front line employees.
Did ya hear the story about the 3 auto exec's who went to a bailout meeting in 3 private jet's.....
Not everyone knows the in's and out's of the industry, but it seems clear there is a lot of waste in many industries that is not being addressed

Write those letters people. If we don't stand up for the services we want, we will loose them for sure

 

[MiaSRN62]

As to cutting the Wyland Gallery how would cutting out a business that pays to be there, help

Sammie,
No..no.....I just listed Wyland as one of the several shops at the Poly. Just mentioned it as one of the already existing shopping opportunities the Poly has. Does the Poly really need the other 2, 3 or 4 shops ? I can't recall exactly how many more there are but there's several and a gift cart. Sorry if you didn't get what I was saying ? Obviously WDW doesn't own Wyland & it is not run or operated by CM's...........

Many Disney employees have been cut due to the economy, they are just not as visible, but certainly no less well liked or in need of a job.

And of course I know this and sympathize with this Sammie ? It's just that Kaleo offered something uique to the resort that added to the overall ambience of the Poly (authentic) experience.

 

[ppan77]

I just went to tiki's site where he mentioned how Kaleo's absence from the Poly will greatly affect this resorts appeal. I'm majorly bummed out as I am looking forward to our first trip there the end of Jan. Hoping to have a magical stay! I just hope Disney puts the magic back in other ways when they take people away who made this resort so special.

 

[Trinity524]

My son loved him! How sad

 

[polineedyan]

i would encourage both of you to email wdw and tell them your stories. Its important that we let them know how strongly we feel about attractions at wdw. I believe the email address is:

wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

Thanks!

 

[anthony2k7]

I hardly think you can compare Kaleo, who barely anyone has actually heard of, to Mickey Mouse, perhaps the best known character in the world.

The fact is that there were a small number of people who turned up to see him. Whether or not you trust Disney's "bean counting", it was obvious that this act wasn't a huge money maker. They obviously felt that they could cut it without losing too many guests.

how about taking away the piano players and the band at GF? or the story tellers at AKL? all people that some guests wont have noticed, but also the same people who for the majority of guests absolutely make the resorts.

 

[kaleo]

A friend told me about these posts, so I thought I'd say "Aloha" to all of you.
I must say that all the kind words that you have written have given a boost to my spirits.

First, I must apologize for my website. I haven't had the opprtunity to update it since all these events have transpired. As you can probably tell, my tech skills are extremely primitive but I'll do my best to update it soon.

I read all of the posts with great interest and appreciation. Through the last 18 1/2 years I have tried to bring authentic Hawaiian music and entertainment to all of you. Not just "Tiny Bubbles", but the real soul and beauty of our Hawaiian songs and culture.

I have so many wonderful memories. Especially the memories of those of you that I have had a chance to meet and talk with through the years. I am humbled by your kindness and consideration. (Although I may no longer be a Boise St. fan after this....LOL).

For those of you who have questioned what "went down", in Disney speak, I was told by entertainment management that "after reviewing the entertainment offerings on property, it was decided that the Tambu Lounge show would be closed effective 12/13/08. That was pretty much the gist of it.

The Torch Lighting Ceremony hiatus was a byproduct of my release. I am so glad that it has been reinstated for all of you who enjoyed it. It was really a matter of logistics as they had to find a performer who was available at that time to host it.

I have loved every minute of my time spent at the Polynesian Resort, especially the last 3 years when I was performing exclusively in the Tambu Lounge. I was told that approximately 3000 guests per night passed through the Tambu Lounge area and had an opportunity to experience the island flavor and atmosphere that the music provided.

To those of you have written or will write on my behalf, I sincerely thank you.
If not me, someone should be continuing to perpetuate the authentic Hawaiian atmosphere that the Polynesian resort has become known for.

If I have brought you joy through my music, then I am satisfied. If I was unable to enhance your Hawaiian experience, I apologize. It was never from a lack of trying.

I wish all of you a 2009 filled with blessings and wishes that come true.
Aloha, Kaleo

 

[mickey2minnie1]

How awesome! I am so happy that Kaleo had the opportunity to read so many words of tribute for him.

We dropped our 3 off at the Neverland Club and instead of leaving the resort, we stayed to lidten to his music. And I loooove "Tiny Bubbles". I used to hula to it as a little girl with my dance troop, LOL.

I did email WDW guest services. Keep it up. Maybe Disney will be able to afford to ask him back one day. Maybe weekends. I will be returning to the Poly with my parents (1st time) next October. I hope we will see him back! Pixie dust your way Kaleo...

 

[swald91]

Well, I haven't been putting my 2 cents into this, but I do have to say we LOVE the Poly b/c it brings a little Hawaii to Disney! I think by letting these employees go-the ones who truly make the experience like those of the island- is very upsetting. Soon these resorts will all be the same then. I choose the Poly to stay b/c of the atmosphere. The employees are a HUGE part of that! Each unique in their own way-just as these people help to bring it out. I'm sure Disney feels they are doing the right thing - those of us that have been there & feel in love with all parts of this resort don't see it. Maybe with the 4/3 deal Disney will have more vacationers spending $$ allowing them to re-evaluate. Good luck Kaleo-I hope you will soon get a call to go back to the Poly to continue to entertain us!

 

[Planecrazy4dis]

A friend told me about these posts, so I thought I'd say "Aloha" to all of you.
I must say that all the kind words that you have written have given a boost to my spirits.

First, I must apologize for my website. I haven't had the opprtunity to update it since all these events have transpired. As you can probably tell, my tech skills are extremely primitive but I'll do my best to update it soon.

I read all of the posts with great interest and appreciation. Through the last 18 1/2 years I have tried to bring authentic Hawaiian music and entertainment to all of you. Not just "Tiny Bubbles", but the real soul and beauty of our Hawaiian songs and culture.

I have so many wonderful memories. Especially the memories of those of you that I have had a chance to meet and talk with through the years. I am humbled by your kindness and consideration. (Although I may no longer be a Boise St. fan after this....LOL).

For those of you who have questioned what "went down", in Disney speak, I was told by entertainment management that "after reviewing the entertainment offerings on property, it was decided that the Tambu Lounge show would be closed effective 12/13/08. That was pretty much the gist of it.

The Torch Lighting Ceremony hiatus was a byproduct of my release. I am so glad that it has been reinstated for all of you who enjoyed it. It was really a matter of logistics as they had to find a performer who was available at that time to host it.

I have loved every minute of my time spent at the Polynesian Resort, especially the last 3 years when I was performing exclusively in the Tambu Lounge. I was told that approximately 3000 guests per night passed through the Tambu Lounge area and had an opportunity to experience the island flavor and atmosphere that the music provided.

To those of you have written or will write on my behalf, I sincerely thank you.
If not me, someone should be continuing to perpetuate the authentic Hawaiian atmosphere that the Polynesian resort has become known for.

If I have brought you joy through my music, then I am satisfied. If I was unable to enhance your Hawaiian experience, I apologize. It was never from a lack of trying.

I wish all of you a 2009 filled with blessings and wishes that come true.
Aloha, Kaleo

Aloha Kaleo!

Welcome to the forum. Thank you for taking the time to give us a shout out. I’m so glad to hear that you found this thread to be encouraging. That was really my intent in the first place. I hope you didn’t feel forced into divulging your private business. I just wanted your fans to write WDW in your behalf. I wish you all the best.

Thanks again,
Jason from Boston

 

[Planecrazy4dis]

If you haven’t written a letter or e-mail yet, PLEASE DO. It can only be a force for good.
wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

 

[pinkerbell]

If you haven’t written a letter or e-mail yet, PLEASE DO. It can only be a force for good.
wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

Thanks Planecrazy4dis for for brining us this info and to Kaleo for taking the time to post to us. It really makes me weepy to read this thread.

Has anyone received any response from Disney?


pink

 

[Planecrazy4dis]

Thanks Planecrazy4dis for for brining us this info and to Kaleo for taking the time to post to us. It really makes me weepy to read this thread.

Has anyone received any response from Disney?


pink

You’re welcome neighbor.

 

[Tink415]

Aloha Kaleo! We're recently back from WDW and wanted to let you know you were missed. I will be writing a letter. Visiting the Poly was always a big part of any trip, the one place we HAD to visit even if not staying there, and you were a big part of that. We've seen you working in many parts of the resort over the years and greatly enjoyed your music.

When I told my husband and daughter about this thread they both independently said WHAT!! that guy MADE the Polynesian!!

I know all things change, and wish you the best for the future.

Aloha!

 

[Disney Fan Katt]

I recently received an email back regarding this matter stating that they had to evaluate the entertainment offerings and make some changes.

 

[DWFan4Life]

I recently received an email back regarding this matter stating that they had to evaluate the entertainment offerings and make some changes.

I will also do an email for them to consider what we really want. Hopefully,
when we will visiting the Poly, Kaleo is be back entertaining us.

 

[Disney Fan Katt]

I will also do an email for them to consider what we really want. Hopefully,
when we will visiting the Poly, Kaleo is be back entertaining us.

I was hoping he would be back by the time we go in early February. Sadly, I don't think it will happen. I will keep writing in hopes that they are able to bring Kaleo back.

Good luck.