We spoke with Lipoa last night about her return to the Polynesian -
First of all, she remains incredibly grateful to everyone that sent e-mails, wrote letters, and called on her behalf. She was told by her union rep. that it was the public response that got her reinstated so quickly. Her rep. also said that he'd never before heard of someone being rehired after being terminated by Disney. Apparently, the flood of e-mails that came in has also been the talk of the Polynesian. Lipoa said that CM's from merchandise, as well as bellmen and others, have approached her and told her that they knew of her story, and of the thousands of e-mails. Most of them had also read her story on these boards - so they already knew the specifics of her situation. (So there are many CM's that read these posts).
Tuesday the 9th was her first night back, and she said that although she was a bit nervous to return after all that happened, she was excited and the night was great. She is thrilled to be back and has received a warm welcome from everyone.
Here is the 'Ohana news: Lipoa told us that the format of the entertainment in the restaurant is changing. They have apparently hired a choreographer(or something similar) from broadway to make changes to the show. It will now be a more 'formal' show - meaning less spontaneous and more structured. Lipoa will be in certain areas of the restaurant at certain times, and will no longer be allowed to roam freely from table to table. This is apparently being done to make it easier for the servers to move throughout the dining areas. Also, the limbo contests are officially over (go figure), so no one will be able to take pictures from the floor anymore. Apparently, the only thing remaining from the old shows are the coconut races. The whole pace of Lipoa's entertainment will be more structured.
She stated that one of the results of this change is that she is no longer able to visit with everyone at their tables. However, she has told all the servers that she wishes to know if someone who supported her on these boards is in the restaurant. The only way this can be done, she felt, is if there was a "code" to let servers know that someone from the Dis is there - so, if you have supported Lipoa with e-mails and you are dining at 'Ohana's tell your server that "Alohaguy sent you" - (I know it seems a little like a covert operation, but that's what Lipoa came up with ) - and she will come over and thank you for your support. Remember, she wants to thank everyone that sent e-mails on her behalf because she feels she owes her job to those that did. So she wants everyone to make themselves known when they come to 'Ohana's by saying "Alohaguy sent me".
So the bottom line is: we did make a difference, and Lipoa wants to thank everyone that took time out of their lives to speak up on her behalf. She is a classy, caring lady, who will now be able to continue making people smile thanks to everyone's efforts. And as long as we continue to care about keeping special CM's like Lipoa working at Disney, then Disney will continue to be a special place for everyone.
Thanks again for all the support, and happy New Year to everyone.
Can't wait to use the "code" when we arrive!! Great job Alohaguy!!! Way to go Lipoa!!
. The cocnut races are alright, nothing great. They should make a few menu changes while there at it, back to the old menu. It's still om our list for ADR"s mostly for entertainment and the bread pudding.
